Mechanical & Aerospace

Gear Train Lab

Set the tooth counts and the gears mesh and turn in real time at their correct relative speeds and directions. A bigger driven gear trades speed for torque (gear reduction); a smaller one overdrives. Drop in an idler and watch it flip the output direction back without changing the ratio at all — the classic gotcha. The readouts give the ratio, output speed, torque multiplication and direction.

2.00 : 1

Gear ratio

30 rpm

Output speed

2.00

Torque ×

Reversed

Direction

Driver teeth18
Driven teeth36
Input speed60 rpm

A bigger driven gear trades speed for torque (and vice-versa). An idler flips the direction back — but, surprisingly, doesn't change the ratio at all.

How to use this simulation

Set the tooth counts and the gears mesh and turn in real time at their correct relative speeds and directions. A bigger driven gear trades speed for torque (gear reduction); a smaller one overdrives. Drop in an idler and watch it flip the output direction back without changing the ratio at all — the classic gotcha. The readouts give the ratio, output speed, torque multiplication and direction.

Everything runs in your browser — no sign-up, no download. Change a value and the result updates instantly, so you can build a feel for how each input shapes the outcome. It pairs with Crameleon's practice exams and step sheets when you want to go from intuition to working the problems.