Cable Ratios on Gym Equipment:

Cable ratios on gym equipment describe the relationship between the weight selected on the stack and the actual resistance experienced by the user. These ratios are expressed as numerical values, such as 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 indicating the effect on the resistance relative to the selected weight. Cable Ratios also have an effect on the length of the cable making certain ratios better suited to certain exercises.

• 1:1 Cable Ratio: In a 1:1 ratio system, the resistance matches the selected weight. If you set the weight stack to 30 kilograms, the user experiences 30 kilograms of resistance directly. In a 1:1 ratio system the cable length is equal to the height that the weight stack is lifted, making it ideal for isolated movements like Lat pulldowns, but less suitable to bigger rotating movements. 
• 2:1 Cable Ratio: In a 2:1 ratio system, for every 2 or kilograms selected on the weight stack, the user experiences 1 kilogram of resistance. If you set the weight stack to 40 kilograms, the actual resistance felt is 20 kilograms. In a 2:1 ratio system the cable length is double the height that the weight stack is lifted, giving you extra cable length for bigger movements.
• 3:1 Cable Ratio: A 3:1 ratio means that for every 3 kilograms selected on the weight stack, the user experiences 1 kilogram of resistance. If you set the weight stack to 30 kilograms, the actual resistance would be 10 kilograms. In a 3:1 ratio system the cable length is triple the height that the weight stack is lifted, giving you extra cable length. 
• 4:1 Cable Ratio: In a 4:1 ratio system, for every 4 kilograms selected on the weight stack, the user experiences 1 kilogram of resistance. If you set the weight stack to 40 kilograms, the actual resistance felt by the user would be 10 kilograms. In a 4:1 ratio system the cable length is four times the height that the weight stack is lifted, giving you extra cable length.

In the case of 3:1 an 4:1 ratios, because the weight stack is moving less and therefore moving slower, the cable can be pulled faster than on a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio. Making them better for faster movements as well as larger movements. 

Understanding cable ratios is crucial for tailoring workouts to individual strength levels and ensuring consistency when transitioning between different gym machines. Always refer to the equipment specifications or user manual to determine the cable ratio and adjust the weight accordingly for an effective and precise workout.