Explore the Gear Train Simulator
Drag gears together to mesh them, then see speed and torque change through the train. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
See it in action
The Gear Train Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Gear Train Simulator?
Drag gears together to mesh them, then see speed and torque change through the train. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Gears are in cars, bicycles, clocks, wind turbines, robots and every machine that needs to change speed or torque. Engineers pick tooth counts to get the right ratio.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Meshing gears turn in opposite directions.
Gear ratio = driven teeth ÷ driver teeth. A bigger driven gear means slower speed but more torque.
Power (torque × speed) stays the same through ideal gears.
Drag the small gear next to the big one until it snaps into mesh.
Press Motor, then change the teeth of the big gear and watch its speed and torque readouts.
Add the third gear in a chain and check which way each gear turns.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Engineering learners
Engineering and technology students, makers, robotics clubs and teachers of design and technology.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Gear Train Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Press Motor, then change the teeth of the big gear and watch its speed and torque readouts. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
How do you calculate gear ratio?
Divide the number of teeth on the driven gear by the number of teeth on the driving gear. A ratio of 3:1 means the driver turns three times for each turn of the driven gear.
Why do gears reverse direction?
Where two gears mesh, their teeth push in opposite directions, so each gear spins the opposite way to its neighbour. An idler gear between them restores the original direction.
Is the Gear Train Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Gear Train Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Engineering group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Gear Train Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Gear Train Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 11 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Gear Train Simulator?
1. In the Gear Train Simulator, use the controls to change Start at (rpm), Start torque (N·m), Add a gear (as many as you like), Zoom, Example set-ups, and more. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Gear Train Simulator, pick an option such as 10, 16, 20, 30 to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Gear Train Simulator, press "Zoom in", "Zoom out", "Fit all gears", "Remove last gear" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Drag the small gear next to the big one until it snaps into mesh. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Gear Train Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Meshing gears turn in opposite directions.
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Try the Gear Train Simulator now
Drag gears together to mesh them, then see speed and torque change through the train. Free to use.
Try it free