The elongation of contact length on the line of action is considered with particular reference for roll forming of gears, and for dynamic behavior of the tooth in meshing. However there is no paper that discuss the elongation of contact length in the load meshing of gears. Based on our investigation, the contact length on the line of action elongates more than the kinematically calculated value. In rolling, as the tool approaches the workpiece, the center distance of the gears decreases by a small amount. But, the elongation of contact length is sensitive. Therefore, the contact point on the line of action is difficult to be determined, which complicates the tooth analysis. In this study, the exact relation between the elongation of contact length and the tooth space over the recess or before the approach are revealed by experiments and kinematic theory. This analytical result applies not only for rolling, but also for the single flank meshing which is done under constant center distance.