1. What is Gear Ratio?

The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of rotations of a driver gear to the number of rotations of a driven gear. It determines the mechanical advantage and speed relationship between input and output shafts in a gear system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear ratio equation:

Where:

• \( \text{Speed}_{\text{in}} \) — Input speed in rotations per minute (rpm)
• \( \text{Ratio} \) — Gear ratio (dimensionless)
• \( \text{Speed}_{\text{out}} \) — Output speed in rotations per minute (rpm)

Explanation: The output speed is inversely proportional to the gear ratio. A higher ratio means lower output speed but greater torque.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation

Details: Accurate speed calculation is crucial for designing mechanical systems, selecting appropriate gears, and ensuring proper operation of machinery.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input speed in rpm and gear ratio (must be greater than 0). The calculator will compute the output speed in rpm.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical gear ratio range?
A: Common gear ratios range from 1:1 to 10:1 for single gear pairs, with higher ratios achieved through multiple gear stages.

Q2: How does gear ratio affect torque?
A: Torque increases proportionally with gear ratio while speed decreases proportionally (ignoring efficiency losses).

Q3: What's the difference between speed ratio and gear ratio?
A: They are inverses - speed ratio is output speed divided by input speed, while gear ratio is input speed divided by output speed.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for belt drives?
A: Yes, the same principle applies to belt and pulley systems where the ratio is determined by pulley diameters.

Q5: How do I calculate gear ratio from tooth count?
A: Gear ratio equals the number of teeth on the driven gear divided by the number of teeth on the driver gear.