Lever Calculator
Calculate lever forces, distances, and mechanical advantage using the lever equation
Calculate Lever Properties
Force applied by you (effort)
Distance from fulcrum to effort point
Force applied by the load (resistance)
Distance from fulcrum to resistance point
Lever Analysis Results
Lever Equation: Fa × a = Fb × b
Left Torque: 0.00 N⋅mRight Torque: 0.00 N⋅m
⚡ This lever provides speed advantage - the load moves Infinity× faster than your effort
Performance Analysis
Example Calculation
Crowbar Example
Scenario: Using a 1.2m crowbar to lift a 500N load
Fulcrum position: 10cm from the load end
Effort arm (a): 1.1m (distance from fulcrum to your hand)
Resistance arm (b): 0.1m (distance from fulcrum to load)
Calculation
Fa × a = Fb × b
Fa × 1.1m = 500N × 0.1m
Fa = 50 N⋅m ÷ 1.1m
Fa = 45.45N
Mechanical Advantage = 1.1m ÷ 0.1m = 11
Types of Levers
Class I Lever
Fulcrum between effort and load
Examples: seesaw, crowbar, scissors
Class II Lever
Load between fulcrum and effort
Examples: wheelbarrow, nutcracker
Class III Lever
Effort between fulcrum and load
Examples: tweezers, fishing rod
Lever Tips
Longer effort arm = greater mechanical advantage
MA > 1 means force multiplication
MA < 1 means speed multiplication
Equilibrium: effort torque = resistance torque
Understanding Levers and Mechanical Advantage
What is a Lever?
A lever is a simple machine consisting of a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point called a fulcrum. Levers are used to amplify force, making it easier to move heavy objects or increase the speed and distance of movement.
Key Components
- •Fulcrum: The pivot point around which the lever rotates
- •Effort: The force you apply to the lever
- •Load/Resistance: The force exerted by the object being moved
- •Arms: The distances from the fulcrum to the points of force application
The Lever Equation
Fa × a = Fb × b
- Fa: Effort force (force you apply)
- a: Effort arm (distance from fulcrum to effort)
- Fb: Resistance force (load force)
- b: Resistance arm (distance from fulcrum to load)
Mechanical Advantage Formula
MA = Fa/Fb = a/b
Higher MA means greater force multiplication capability
Applications in Daily Life
Construction
Crowbars, wrecking bars, and pry bars for moving heavy objects and demolition work.
Kitchen Tools
Can openers, bottle openers, and nutcrackers utilize lever principles for easy operation.
Sports Equipment
Baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks act as levers to amplify striking force.