How to Easily Master Pulley Speed Ratios

Pulley speed ratios might sound a bit technical, but they’re easier than you think. Whether you’re chasing more grunt or extra speed, here’s how to get your machinery running like a beauty.
quick-pulley-speed-ratio-guide

What’s the Deal with Pulley Ratios? 

The pulley ratio is all about size—and no, it’s not just for show. The relationship between your driver pulley (the one doing the hard yakka) and your driven pulley (the one getting powered) decides how fast things spin and how much torque you’ll get.

  • Big driven pulley = Slower but stronger
  • Small driven pulley = Faster but lighter on the torque

The Magic Formula

Want to know how fast your driven pulley will go? Use this:
Driven Speed (RPM) = Driver Speed (RPM) × (Driver Diameter ÷ Driven Diameter)

Example (Easy as):

If your driver pulley is 10 cm and spins at 1000 RPM:

  • Driven Pulley (20 cm): 1000 × (10 ÷ 20) = 500 RPM
  • Driven Pulley (5 cm): 1000 × (10 ÷ 5) = 2000 RPM

See? No sweat.

Need Pulleys or Belts?

Skip the runaround and grab what you need from AIMS Industrial. We have a wide range of:

Whatever your project, we’ve got your back.

Learn More

For a deep dive into pulley speed ratios and tips, visit our Pulley Speed Ratio Blog.

There you go—pulley speed ratios, made fun and easy. Now go be a pulley pro! 

A Quick Word on Safety

Look, we all love a job well done, but don’t forget to stay safe:

  • Always turn off your machine and lock it out before tinkering.
  • Keep your belt tension and alignment in check.
  • Don’t wear loose clothes or let your hair get too close—trust us.
  • Safety guards aren’t optional. Use ’em.

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