Calculate overall drive ratio, axle final-drive ratio, transmission gear ratio or transfer case ratio. Select the value to solve and enter the other three ratios.

Multiply the three drivetrain reduction ratios.

These modes solve overall engine-to-wheel reduction. Axle final-drive ratio is one factor. Use positive ratio magnitudes for the selected gear; clutch/torque-converter slip is excluded.

Enter 1 only for direct drive or no transfer case; otherwise use the selected range’s ratio.

Final Drive Ratio Formula

The following formula calculates overall engine-to-wheel reduction for the selected transmission gear and transfer-case range. The axle final-drive ratio is one factor.

DR = AR × TR × TCR
  • Where DR is the overall engine-to-wheel drive ratio (ratio :1)
  • AR is the axle ratio : 1
  • TR is the transmission gear ratio : 1
  • TCR is the transfer case ratio : 1

To calculate overall drive ratio, multiply the axle final-drive ratio by the selected transmission gear ratio and transfer case ratio. Use 1 for no transfer case or a direct-drive range.

Final Drive Ratio Definition

The axle final-drive ratio is the reduction between the differential input and the driven wheels. Overall engine-to-wheel ratio also includes the selected transmission gear and transfer-case range, assuming no clutch or torque-converter slip.

Final Drive Ratio Example

How to calculate the final drive ratio?

  1. First, determine the axle ratio.

    For this example we will say the axle ratio is 5:1.

  2. Next, determine the transmission ratio.

    For this example the transmission ratio is 2:1.

  3. Next, determine the transfer case ratio.

    This example uses a direct-drive transfer-case range of 1:1; use your actual selected range.

  4. Finally, calculate the overall drive ratio.

    Using the equation above we find the drive ratio to be 10:1

FAQ

What is a final drive ratio?

Axle final-drive ratio is one stage of drivetrain reduction. The product calculated here is the overall engine-to-wheel ratio for the selected gear and transfer-case range, assuming no slip.

Final Drive Ratio Calculator screenshot
final drive ratio formula