Mechanical Advantage Calculator
Find the mechanical advantage of any simple machine from the input effort force and the output load force.
What mechanical advantage means
Mechanical advantage (MA) is the factor by which a simple machine (like a lever, pulley, or ramp) multiplies an input force. It is calculated as MA = Output Force / Input Force — how much load force the machine produces for a given amount of effort force you apply.
How this calculator works
Enter the output force the machine needs to produce (the load) and the input force you’re actually applying (the effort). The calculator divides output by input to give the mechanical advantage, and also shows the percentage increase in force the machine provides over applying the effort directly.
An MA greater than 1 means the machine reduces the effort needed to do the same work, though you’ll need to move your end of the machine farther in exchange, since ideal machines conserve total work. This calculator is for general educational and planning purposes.