How Do You Calculate The Pulley & Belt Ratio?
Pulley and belt systems are one of the easiest ways to change speed and torque in a system. If a small pulley is connected to a large pulley and the small pulley is the driver, the large pulley will turn more slowly but with increased torque or rotational force. If the large pulley had been the driver, then the small pulley would rotate faster than the driving pulley but with a lot less torque. These systems are used with air compressors, lawnmowers and automobiles. Locate the drive pulley. This pulley is usually attached to the driver, such as an electric motor or a gas engine. Measure the diameter of the drive pulley and write it down. Locate the load pulley. This is usually attached to a load, such as an air compressor, lawnmower blades or a transmission. Measure the diameter of the load pulley, and write it down. Divide the drive pulley diameter by the load pulley diameter. The result will be the pulley and belt ratio. For example: a 2-inch drive pulley and a 4-inch load pulley yie
