This tool determines the relationship between the rotational speed of a vehicle’s tires and the output speed of its transmission or differential. It considers tire size and gear ratios to calculate the overall drive ratio, representing the number of engine revolutions required to turn the wheels once. For example, a drive ratio of 4.10:1 signifies the engine must rotate 4.10 times for each complete revolution of the tire.
Understanding this ratio is crucial for optimizing vehicle performance. Selecting appropriate gear ratios impacts acceleration, top speed, fuel efficiency, and towing capacity. Historically, these calculations were performed manually using charts and formulas. The advent of online calculators streamlines this process, providing quick and accurate results essential for vehicle customization and performance tuning.