1. What is Gear Ratio?

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 relationship between input and output speed in mechanical systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear ratio formula:

Where:

• \( Input\ Speed \) — Rotational speed of the input shaft (rpm)
• \( Ratio \) — Gear ratio (unitless number)

Explanation: The output speed is calculated by dividing the input speed by the gear ratio. A higher ratio results in lower output speed.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input speed in rpm and gear ratio as a positive number. Both values must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How does gear ratio affect torque?
A: While this calculator shows speed reduction, gear ratio also affects torque - output torque increases proportionally with speed reduction.

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

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

Q5: What if my ratio is less than 1?
A: A ratio less than 1 indicates speed increase (output speed higher than input speed) which is common in overdrive systems.