Mechanical Advantage Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the mechanical advantage calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

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Formulas Used

Mechanical Advantage

ma = output_force / input_force

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
output_forceOutput Force (Load)(N)500
input_forceInput Force (Effort)(N)100

How It Works

Mechanical Advantage

Mechanical advantage describes how much a simple machine multiplies the input force.

Formula

MA = F_output / F_input

An MA greater than 1 means the machine amplifies force; less than 1 means it amplifies distance/speed instead.

Worked Example

A lever lifts a 500 N load with 100 N of effort.

output_force = 500input_force = 100
  1. 01MA = F_output / F_input
  2. 02MA = 500 / 100
  3. 03MA = 5

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