Go-Kart Gear Ratio Chart
Explore an interactive front-and-rear sprocket chart with configurable engine speed and tire diameter. Compare reductions and theoretical speeds side by side.
Your setup
Your results
CalculatedThe headline result uses 12/60 (5:1). The table below compares other direct-drive combinations.
Single-stage direct drive only. Use the full gearing tool for a jackshaft or converter.
Front / rear sprocket chart
Each cell shows reduction and theoretical MPH with direct drive.
| Rear ↓ / Front → | 10 teeth | 11 teeth | 12 teeth | 13 teeth | 14 teeth | 15 teeth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 teeth | 4.80:129.01 mph | 4.36:131.91 mph | 4.00:134.81 mph | 3.69:137.71 mph | 3.43:140.61 mph | 3.20:143.51 mph |
| 54 teeth | 5.40:125.78 mph | 4.91:128.36 mph | 4.50:130.94 mph | 4.15:133.52 mph | 3.86:136.10 mph | 3.60:138.67 mph |
| 60 teeth | 6.00:123.20 mph | 5.45:125.53 mph | 5.00:127.85 mph | 4.62:130.17 mph | 4.29:132.49 mph | 4.00:134.81 mph |
| 66 teeth | 6.60:121.10 mph | 6.00:123.20 mph | 5.50:125.31 mph | 5.08:127.42 mph | 4.71:129.53 mph | 4.40:131.64 mph |
| 72 teeth | 7.20:119.34 mph | 6.55:121.27 mph | 6.00:123.20 mph | 5.54:125.14 mph | 5.14:127.07 mph | 4.80:129.01 mph |
| 78 teeth | 7.80:117.85 mph | 7.09:119.63 mph | 6.50:121.42 mph | 6.00:123.20 mph | 5.57:124.99 mph | 5.20:126.77 mph |
| 84 teeth | 8.40:116.57 mph | 7.64:118.23 mph | 7.00:119.89 mph | 6.46:121.55 mph | 6.00:123.20 mph | 5.60:124.86 mph |
How the calculation works
Follow the formula and keep the input units consistent at every step.
Each cell: R = rear teeth / front teeth; v = RPM × πD / (60R)- Set engine RPM and nominal tire diameter.
- Read a front-sprocket column and rear-sprocket row.
- Compare ratio and speed at the same operating point.
A Worked Example
At 3,600 rpm with a 13-inch tire, 12/60 gives 5:1 and 27.85 MPH. A 12/72 setup gives 6:1 and 23.20 MPH.
What Your Result Means
The table holds RPM and tire diameter constant so gearing changes can be compared directly.
Assumptions & Limitations
Single-stage direct drive only. Use the full gearing tool for a jackshaft or converter.
Common Mistakes
Do not read a table speed as a power-limited top-speed prediction.
Questions about this calculation
Which values should I enter?
Set engine RPM and nominal tire diameter. Do not read a table speed as a power-limited top-speed prediction.
How should I interpret the result’s precision?
Displayed results are rounded for readability. Intermediate calculations retain floating-point precision; extra displayed decimals do not improve your input accuracy.
Can I use metric units?
Yes. Select Metric above the calculator to convert your inputs. Results always state their units. Tire-size designations keep their conventional mm and inch units.
What are the main limitations?
Single-stage direct drive only. Use the full gearing tool for a jackshaft or converter.
Method, sources & relevant guides
Angular speed and tangential speed. Gear reductions follow tooth engagement and conservation of rotation count.
OpenStax — University Physics: rotation with constant angular accelerationMethod documentation updated October 18, 2026. Independent professional review has not been claimed. Read the calculation and review policy.