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1. Select Transmission

2. Vehicle Specs

3. Tire Size

/R
Diameter: 25.72 in

Gear Ratios

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About

Optimizing a vehicle for track performance or highway efficiency requires a deep understanding of gearing. This tool calculates the theoretical top speed in each gear based on engine RPM, tire diameter, transmission gear ratios, and the final drive ratio. It is essential for tuners selecting the right differential swap or verifying if a specific gearbox allows the engine to stay in the power band.

The calculator accounts for the mechanical relationship where engine speed is reduced (torque multiplication) through the transmission and differential before reaching the wheels. Understanding shift points helps in minimizing RPM drop during upshifts, ensuring maximum acceleration.

automotive tuning gear ratios speed calculator rpm

Formulas

The speed of the vehicle (v) is calculated as:

v = RPM × Ctireratiogear × ratiofinal × K

Where Ctire is the tire circumference and K is a unit conversion constant (1056 for mph, 16666.7 for km/h).

Reference Data

Transmission1st Gear2nd Gear3rd Gear4th Gear5th Gear6th Gear
Tremec T56 (F-Body)2.661.781.301.000.740.50
ZF 8HP70 (BMW)4.713.142.101.671.291.00
Getrag V160 (Supra)3.822.361.681.311.000.79
Honda S80 (Integra R)3.232.101.451.100.84-
Subaru STI 6MT3.632.231.521.130.970.75
Ford MT82 (Mustang)3.662.431.691.321.000.65
Porsche PDK (991)3.912.291.581.180.940.79
Mazda CD4E2.881.571.000.70--

Frequently Asked Questions

The Final Drive (or differential ratio) is the last set of gears the power passes through before the wheels. A higher number (e.g., 4.10 vs 3.55) results in faster acceleration but lower top speed and higher highway RPMs.
Diameter = (Width × Aspect Ratio / 500) / 25.4 + Rim Diameter. For 245/40R18: (245 × 40 / 500)/25.4 + 18 ≈ 25.7 inches. This tool handles that calculation automatically.
This calculator provides "gearing-limited" speed. In reality, vehicles are 'drag-limited'-air resistance (drag) eventually matches engine power, preventing further acceleration regardless of how tall the gear ratios are.
Any gear with a ratio lower than 1.00 is an overdrive gear. It allows the wheels to spin faster than the engine, reducing RPM and fuel consumption during highway cruising.