A method for controlling a gear ratio rate of change in a machine having a continuously variable transmission includes moving an operator input device to a changed position, receiving electronic data indicative of the changed position, and determining a non-limited desired gear ratio based on the changed position. A maximum gear ratio rate of change corresponding to the non-limited desired gear ratio and an actual gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is selected from an electronically stored gear ratio rate map. A current desired gear ratio is determined based on a previous desired gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio rate of change. A commanded gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is changed to the current desired gear ratio using electronic signals.