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Compression Ratio Calculator

Calculate static compression ratio from engine volumes

Static compression ratio compares cylinder volume with the piston at the bottom of the stroke to its volume at the top.

Formula: CR = (swept volume + clearance volume) ÷ clearance volume; clearance = chamber + gasket + deck + piston volume

What this number means

This calculates static compression ratio from bore, stroke, chamber volume, piston dish or dome, deck height and gasket thickness. It is the geometric ratio machined into the engine, before the camshaft has any say.

What to change next

Use it to verify a build on paper before parts are ordered — small chamber or gasket changes move the ratio meaningfully. Match the result to your fuel: pump gasoline, E85 and race fuel each have sensible ranges.

Worked example

A 4.030 in bore, 3.48 in stroke V8 cylinder with a 64 cc chamber, flat-top piston and typical gasket and deck volumes gives ≈ 10.2:1.

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Dynamic CompressionCranking PressureDisplacementHead Flow & Power