Tire Diameter to Gear Ratio Calculator
Here’s the breakdown of relevant factors:
- Tire Diameter: The overall diameter of the tire (measured from the ground to the top of the tire).
- Effective Gear Ratio: The ratio of the number of teeth on the driving gear compared to the number of teeth on the driven gear.
For practical purposes, different tire diameters require different gear ratios to maintain optimal engine speed, power output, and fuel efficiency.
To help illustrate this better, here’s an example table of tire diameter vs. gear ratio. We'll take common tire sizes and typical gear ratios for performance vehicles. The gear ratio is typically adjusted to match the vehicle's power band and intended driving style.
Tire Diameter vs. Gear Ratio Table
| Tire Diameter (inches) | Common Gear Ratios | Effect on Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | 3.08 - 3.55 | Increased acceleration, but lower top speed |
| 26 | 3.23 - 3.73 | Balance between acceleration and top speed |
| 28 | 3.42 - 3.90 | Slightly higher top speed, with good acceleration |
| 30 | 3.73 - 4.11 | Focus on top speed, requires higher torque for acceleration |
| 32 | 3.90 - 4.56 | Ideal for off-road vehicles or towing with low-end torque |
| 34 | 4.10 - 4.88 | Best for vehicles focused on towing or high-speed cruising |
| 36 | 4.30 - 5.00 | Maximum for off-road and heavy-duty vehicles |
How Gear Ratios Affect the Performance:
- Higher gear ratios (such as 4.10 and above) provide more torque, but typically reduce fuel efficiency and top speed.
- Lower gear ratios (such as 3.08) allow for higher speed but sacrifice some of the torque needed for acceleration and towing.