The design of this type of bearing features tapered surfaces on the outer ring, cone (inner ring), and rollers, with their apexes converging at a common point on the bearing’s axis. This type is suitable for applications involving heavy loads or shock loads.​

Tapered roller bearings consist of an inner ring (referred to as the "cone"), an outer ring (referred to as the "cup"), a cage, and rollers—where the rollers’ profiles enable even load distribution. They exhibit high radial and axial (thrust) load capacities at medium to low speeds.​

Tapered roller bearings are available in single-row, double-row, and four-row designs. For single-row bearings, the thrust load capacity is approximately 60% of the radial load capacity. Double-row bearings offer higher radial load capacity and can withstand thrust loads in both directions.​

Rollers can be configured such that the contact lines between the rollers and raceways either converge toward or diverge from the rotational axis. Double-row bearings with divergent contact lines enhance the rigidity of shaft mounting, while convergent bearings do not. Other configurations of double-row bearings include designs with one outer ring and two inner rings, or two outer rings and one inner ring. Four-row tapered roller bearings comprise four alternating rows of convergent and divergent rollers.