VEX IQ Multi-Gear Ratio Calculator
Calculate complex gear trains and compound gear systems
Build Your Gear Chain
Add gears to your system in the order they mesh together. Specify when gears are on the same shaft (compound gears).
Results
Add gears to your system and click Calculate to see results
Gear Chain Visualization
How to Calculate Multi-Gear Ratios
Simple Gear Trains
In a simple gear train, each gear meshes with the next one in line:
Example: 12-tooth → 36-tooth → 60-tooth
Overall ratio: 60/12 = 5:1
Direction rule: Each meshing gear reverses rotation direction
Compound Gear Systems
When multiple gears are fixed on the same shaft:
Example:
Stage 1: 12-tooth → 36-tooth (3:1)
Stage 2: 12-tooth → 60-tooth (5:1)
Overall ratio: 3 × 5 = 15:1
Direction and Speed Rules
Direction Rule: Each meshing of gears causes a direction reversal
- Odd number of meshings = opposite direction
- Even number of meshings = same direction
- Gears on the same shaft rotate in the same direction
Speed Calculation:
- Ratio > 1: Output is slower than input
- Ratio < 1: Output is faster than input
- Ratio = 1: Same speed as input
Common VEX IQ Multi-Gear Applications
High Torque Lift (25:1)
12 → 60 → 12 → 60
Perfect for heavy lifting mechanisms and powerful arms
Balanced Power (9:1)
12 → 36 → 12 → 36
Good for climbing mechanisms and moderate lifting
High Speed (1:9)
36 → 12 → 36 → 12
Ideal for flywheels and rapid movement mechanisms
Buy me a coffee
Support the VEX IQ Gear Calculator development