A method for controlling ratio changes in a swap-shift transmission having a first simple planetary gear unit and a second compound planetary gear unit, the two gear units being arranged in series disposition, pressure-operated friction elements for separately braking the reaction member at each of the gear units to establish a change in ratio. The change in ratio consists of a downshift by releasing a reaction friction element for the first gear unit and upshifting the second gear unit by applying a second friction element to anchor a reaction member of the second gear unit in a non-synchronous fashion to achieve a consistent shift quality without precise matching of friction element application and release whereby inertia torque disturbances in the torque output elements of the transmission are avoided.