Calculate sheave ratio, driven speed from sheave diameters, and belt speed from pitch diameter and RPM in inches, mm, ft/min, m/min, or m/s.

Sheave Ratio Calculator

Sheave Ratio Output from Diameters Belt Speed

Sheave Ratio Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Sheave Ratio. 

SHR = MS / OS
  • Where SHR is the Sheave Ratio (dimensionless)
  • MS is the motor (driver) speed (RPM) 
  • OS is the driven (output) speed (RPM) 

To calculate the sheave ratio, divide the motor (driver) speed by the driven (output) speed. For a belt-and-sheave (pulley) drive with negligible slip, this speed ratio also equals (driven sheave pitch diameter) ÷ (driver sheave pitch diameter).

How to Calculate Sheave Ratio?

The following example problems outline how to calculate Sheave Ratio.

Example Problem #1:

  1. First, determine the motor (driver) speed (RPM).
    • The motor speed (RPM) is given as: 50.
  2. Next, determine the driven (output) speed (RPM).
    • The driven (output) speed (RPM) is provided as: 20.
  3. Finally, calculate the Sheave Ratio using the equation above: 

SHR = MS / OS

The values given above are inserted into the equation below and the solution is calculated:

SHR = 50 / 20 = 2.5


Example Problem #2: 

For this problem, the variables required are provided below:

motor speed (RPM) = 60

driven (output) speed (RPM) = 10

Test your knowledge using the equation and check your answer with the calculator above.

SHR = MS / OS = ?