Gear ratio = number of teeth on driven gear / driver gear. It determines speed and torque trade-offs.
What this calculator does
A 3:1 gear ratio triples torque while reducing speed by 3×.
When to use this calculator
This tool is most useful when working from known parameters toward an unknown output — the standard direction of engineering calculation. Enter measured or specified values to get the derived result.
Common mistakes
A frequent mistake is using nominal or rated values when actual measured values are required. Calculations based on nominal dimensions or catalogue specifications may not match field conditions — always use measured values where precision matters.
Real-world scenarios
A mechanical engineer verifies a beam's deflection under a specified load using standard formulas. Running the calculation with exact dimensions confirms the design meets deflection limits before fabrication — catching an issue that would be expensive to correct in the field.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate gear ratio?
Gear ratio = teeth on driven gear ÷ teeth on driving gear. E.g., 60 teeth ÷ 20 teeth = 3:1.