AbstractExperimental investigations have been carried out on the stress distribution on the outer surface of the outer race of conventional and double‐decker high‐precision bearings (DDHPBs). The investigations, in general, indicate that the overall level of stress variation on conventional bearings in various modes of loading under static conditions is greater than that of DDHPBs having an identical inner bore. The cyclic stress levels have been found to be higher for the outer race of conventional bearings compared to that of DDHPBs. Also, the frequency of stress cycles on the outer race of conventional bearings is greater than that of DDHPBs.A comparison of the stress distribution pattern indicates that, under identical loads, the ratio of deflection to indentation on the elements of DDHPBs and conventional bearings is less than unity. Also, under identical operating conditions, the ratio of stresses due to centrifugal forces on the elements of DDHPBs and conventional bearings of the same bore and outer diameter is less than unity. It is concluded that the life of DDHPBs as compared to conventional bearings should be longer under identical operating conditi