In the diagram to the right, (a) and (b) are referred to as having an offset below center, while those in (c) and (d) have an offset above center. In determining the direction of offset, it is customary to look at the gear with the pinion at the right. For below center offset the pinion has a left hand spiral, and for above center offset the pinion has a right hand spiral.1
Notes
1. ANSI/AGMA 1012-G05, "Gear Nomenclature, Definition of Terms with Symbols".