10:1 Micro Metal Gear Motor
Estimate gearbox output speed, torque, and power from a motor operating point. Check the exact ratio, load curve, and ratings before choosing a configuration.
How the estimate is calculated
Output speed = motor-side speed ÷ ratio. Output torque = motor-side torque × ratio × assumed gearbox efficiency. Power uses the estimated output speed and torque.
What it does not verify
Inputs must describe one steady operating point. The estimate does not check the motor curve, gear rating, startup current, thermal duty, impact life, or holding behavior.
What the 10:1 label tells you
Published figures below describe named 6V Pololu Micro Metal Gearmotor variants. They are examples for comparison, not a universal micro gearmotor specification or an OEM rating.
Ratio can be rounded
Pololu labels its family 10:1 while listing an exact 9.96:1 ratio. Verify the exact ratio for the selected gearbox before estimating output.
Speed depends on the winding
In Pololu's 6V examples, listed no-load speed ranges from 1,300 RPM (LP) to 3,300 RPM (HPCB). No-load speed is not a loaded operating point.
Stall is not a working rating
Published stall torque is extrapolated and may damage the motor or gearbox. Use the product curve and continuous/intermittent limits for the real duty cycle.
Published 6V variant examples
These assembled gearmotor output figures describe specific 9.96:1 variants at 6V. They are reference data, not motor-side inputs for the estimator. Follow each link for conditions and tolerances.
| 6V variant and source | No-Load Speed | No-Load Current | Stall Torque (Extrapolated) | Stall Current (Extrapolated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LP (Low Power) | ~1300 RPM | 40 mA | 0.10 kg·cm | 0.36 A |
| MP (Medium Power) | ~2200 RPM | 70 mA | 0.11 kg·cm | 0.67 A |
| HP (High Power) | ~3100 RPM | 100 mA | 0.22 kg·cm | 1.60 A |
| HPCB (Carbon Brush) | ~3300 RPM | 150 mA | 0.17 kg·cm | 1.50 A |
No-load speed is typically specified with ±20% tolerance, and no-load current with ±50% tolerance; confirm the linked variant. The vendor marks stall torque and stall current as theoretical extrapolations and warns that stalling can damage the motor or gearbox. These figures are not continuous torque ratings. Read the Micro Metal Gearmotor datasheet (rev. 6.2, Feb 2026)
Need a checked operating point or a 10:1 OEM configuration?
Discuss your RFQ requirementsMicro Metal Gear Motor Package & Interface
Package names do not replace a drawing. One 10:1 Pololu reference variant has a 10 × 12 mm gearbox cross-section and a 3 mm D-shaped output shaft; shaft and encoder options change the full envelope. Check the example dimensions
10:1 or a higher reduction?
For the same motor-side operating point, a higher reduction trades output speed for more ideal torque multiplication. Real output is lower after losses and remains limited by the exact gearbox rating.
| Design check | 10:1 candidate | Higher reduction candidate |
|---|---|---|
| Output speed | More speed for a given motor speed | Less speed; confirm the target still fits |
| Torque | Lower ideal multiplication | More ideal multiplication; losses still apply |
| Holding with power off | Neither ratio guarantees a holding brake; confirm backdrive data or add a separate holding feature. | |
| Before selection | Compare the exact speed–torque curve, continuous and intermittent limits, current, duty cycle, and envelope. | |
Compare the broader 10:1 micro gear motor overview with the 10:1 micro gearbox guide.
Example package, not to scale
*For the linked 6V HP example. Confirm the complete drawing, shaft, and encoder envelope for the selected variant.
Application Scenarios: Fit Checks
These examples are screening cases, not guaranteed applications. Keep the tool inputs and product data at the same shaft location and operating point.
1Small Wheeled Robot
Candidate when the wheel speed target is high and the wheel load is modest. Convert measured loaded shaft RPM using wheel diameter, then verify acceleration torque, current, and impact life with the selected gearbox data.
2Encoder-Based Positioning
A motor encoder can support feedback, but it does not remove gearbox backlash. Confirm encoder resolution, output repeatability, backlash, and load inertia against the motion target.
3Low-Load Rotary Mechanism
Consider the ratio when the required travel is fast and the mechanism has low friction. Check startup and peak torque, cycle rate, and motor temperature over the real duty cycle.
4Unpowered Load or Shock Exposure
Do not assume the geartrain will hold a load or survive an impact based on its ratio or metal material alone. Ask for backdrive and shock-life data, or add a separately rated latch/brake and validate the assembly.
Application Risks & Boundaries
Load, Current & Thermal Limits
Do not use extrapolated stall torque as an operating limit. Check the speed–torque curve at the selected voltage, startup and peak current, rated gearbox load, duty cycle, and motor temperature in the assembled product.
Power-Off Holding
A 10:1 ratio is not a holding-brake specification. If the mechanism must resist gravity or spring force without power, request backdrive/holding test data for the complete assembly.
Integration & Sourcing Cost
A low unit price can be offset by an unsuitable driver, connector or encoder changes, shaft rework, and repeat sample validation. Scope the complete configuration before comparing quotes.
10:1 Micro Metal Gear Motor FAQ
Need a 10:1 micro metal gear motor for your product?
Send voltage, loaded speed and torque, current limit, duty cycle, envelope/shaft drawing, quantity, and holding or impact requirements for an engineering feasibility review.