When two parallel and coplaner shafts are connected by gears having teeth parallel to the axis of the shaft called spur gears, the arrangement is known as spur gearing.

Another name given to the spur gearing is helical gearing in which the teeth are inclined to the axis of the shaft. There are single and double helical gears. The double helical gears are known as herringbone gears. In Herringbone gearing the axial thrust is minimized.