Mechanical Advantage Calculator
Calculate the mechanical advantage of a simple machine from its load and effort forces.
How it works
- 1Enter the output (load) force — the weight or resistance your machine must overcome.
- 2Enter the input (effort) force — the force you actually apply to the machine.
- 3The calculator divides load by effort to give you the dimensionless mechanical advantage.
Use cases
- Verify lever designs: a first-class lever lifting 600 N with 150 N of effort has MA 4.
- Compare pulley systems to find how many rope segments share the load.
- Check ramp and screw-jack designs to confirm the force multiplication meets safety margins.
Frequently asked questions
What is mechanical advantage?
Mechanical advantage (MA) is the ratio of output force (load) to input force (effort): MA = load ÷ effort. An MA of 4 means you apply one-quarter of the load force, but you move the effort point four times farther than the load moves.
What does an MA greater than 1 mean?
MA > 1 means the machine amplifies your force. A lever with MA 4 lets you lift a 600 N load with only 150 N of effort. The trade-off is that your hand must move four times as far as the load rises.
Does mechanical advantage account for friction?
This calculator gives the ideal (theoretical) mechanical advantage, which ignores friction. Real machines have a lower actual MA because some effort overcomes friction and other losses.
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