How to Figure Sprocket Ratios

A sprocket is a wheel with teeth. Two sprockets connected to one another make a gear, which can be used to change speed to torque and vice versa.



The sprocket ratio is the relationship between two sprockets. If the front sprocket has a lot of teeth and the rear sprocket does not have many teeth, then the gear will have a high top speed and low acceleration. If the situation is reversed, the opposite will be true.

Instructions

1. Count the teeth on the front sprocket. This is the sprocket attached to the engine, motor, crank or other piece of equipment you are using to drive energy to it.

2. Count the number of teeth on your rear sprocket. This is the sprocket attached to the front sprocket.

3. Divide the number of teeth on the rear sprocket by the number on the front sprocket. The higher your result, the better inclined your system is for acceleration, and the lower your result, the better inclined your system is for a high top speed.

References

• Wemoto: Sprocket Gear Ratios