Mechanical Advantage Calculator
Calculate mechanical advantage for all six simple machines with force analysis
Calculate Mechanical Advantage
Choose the type of simple machine to analyze
Distance from fulcrum to effort point
Distance from fulcrum to load point
Force you apply to the machine
Force exerted by the machine
Mechanical Advantage Results
Formula: MA = Effort Arm ÷ Load Arm
Machine Type: lever (Speed/Distance Multiplier)
Advantage Analysis
Example Calculation
Lever Example
Scenario: Crowbar with 60cm effort arm and 5cm load arm
Effort arm: 0.6 m
Load arm: 0.05 m
Input force: 100 N
Calculation
MA = Effort Arm ÷ Load Arm
MA = 0.6 m ÷ 0.05 m = 12
Output Force = Input Force × MA
Output Force = 100 N × 12 = 1200 N
You can lift 12× more weight with this lever!
Six Simple Machines
Lever
Rigid bar pivoting on fulcrum
Pulley
Wheels and ropes for lifting
Inclined Plane
Ramp for easier lifting
Wedge
Triangular tool for splitting
Screw
Inclined plane wrapped around cylinder
Wheel & Axle
Two wheels of different sizes
Physics Tips
MA > 1: Force multiplication (trade distance for force)
MA < 1: Speed multiplication (trade force for distance)
Work input always equals work output (conservation)
Real machines have efficiency less than 100%
Understanding Mechanical Advantage
What is Mechanical Advantage?
Mechanical advantage (MA) is a measure of how much a machine amplifies force. It's the ratio of output force to input force, or equivalently, the ratio of input distance to output distance. Simple machines allow us to do work more easily by trading force for distance or vice versa.
Types of Advantage
- •Force Multiplier (MA > 1): Amplifies force at the cost of distance
- •Speed Multiplier (MA < 1): Increases speed/distance at the cost of force
- •No Advantage (MA = 1): Changes direction only
Fundamental Principle
MA = F_out / F_in = d_in / d_out
- F_out: Output force (load force)
- F_in: Input force (effort force)
- d_in: Input distance
- d_out: Output distance
Conservation of Energy
Work_in = Work_out → F_in × d_in = F_out × d_out
No machine can create energy, only transform it!
Applications in Daily Life
Construction
Crowbars, jacks, cranes, and pulley systems make heavy construction work manageable.
Transportation
Ramps, gears in vehicles, and steering wheels all use mechanical advantage principles.
Tools & Equipment
Scissors, pliers, bottle openers, and screwdrivers leverage simple machines daily.