A developing device includes upper and lower developer containing portions to contain developer, arranged in a vertical direction, a first developer conveyor to convey developer in the upper developer containing portion to a first side in an axial direction of the first developer conveyor, a second developer conveyor to convey developer in the lower developer containing portion to a second side opposite the first side, a developer-lifting area in which the developer is lifted from the lower developer containing portion to the upper developer containing portion, a first lifting area gear to rotate the first developer conveyor, a second lifting area gear to rotate the second developer conveyor, and a lifting area input gear to input a driving force to the developing device. The lifting area input gear is coupled to the first lifting area gear and coupled via the first lifting area gear via to the second lifting area gear.