Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

gear-ratio

Noun

/ɡɪr ˈreɪʃioʊ/

Definition

The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on two meshing gears, which determines their relative speeds and torque.

Examples

In a bicycle, the gear ratio is important for climbing hills efficiently.
The car’s performance can be improved by optimizing the gear ratio for speed and acceleration.
Understanding the gear ratio helps mechanics troubleshoot problems in machinery.

Meaning

In mechanical systems, the gear ratio indicates how much the input speed of one gear influences the speed of another gear connected to it. A higher gear ratio means the output gear will spin slower but with more torque, while a lower gear ratio will result in higher speed but less torque.