1. What is Gear Ratio?

The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on the driven gear to the number of teeth on the driver gear. It determines the mechanical advantage and speed relationship between the two gears.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gear ratio formula:

Where:

• \( teeth_{driven} \) — Number of teeth on the driven gear
• \( teeth_{driver} \) — Number of teeth on the driver gear

Explanation: A higher gear ratio means more torque but less speed, while a lower gear ratio means more speed but less torque.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio

Details: Proper gear ratio selection is crucial for optimal kart performance, affecting acceleration, top speed, and engine performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Count the teeth on both gears carefully. The driven gear is the one being turned by the driver gear. Both values must be positive integers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical gear ratio for BMI karts?
A: Common ratios range from 2.5:1 to 4:1 depending on track conditions and engine power.

Q2: How does gear ratio affect acceleration vs top speed?
A: Higher ratios (numerically larger) improve acceleration but reduce top speed. Lower ratios increase top speed but reduce acceleration.

Q3: Should I change my gear ratio for different tracks?
A: Yes, tighter tracks with more turns benefit from higher ratios, while long straight tracks work better with lower ratios.

Q4: What if my calculated ratio isn't a standard sprocket combination?
A: Choose the closest available combination or adjust both sprockets to maintain chain length while achieving near your target ratio.

Q5: Does this calculator work for all kart types?
A: This calculates the basic gear ratio which applies to all chain-driven karts, though optimal ratios vary by kart type and engine.