Mechanical Advantage Calculator (Lever)

Enter the length of the effort arm and the length of the load arm of a lever into the calculator below to determine the mechanical advantage.

Mechanical Advantage Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the mechanical advantage of a lever.

MA = ea / la

Where MA is the mechanical advantage
ea is the length of the effort arm
and la is the length of the load arm

To calculate the mechanical advantage, divide the length of the effort arm by the length of the load arm.

Mechanical Advantage Definition

Mechanical advantage is a term used to describe the ratio of an output force to the input force. In other words, the amount of output with a given effort. Using physics and “leverages,” certain mechanical features can be constructed to output a larger force than was input.

In the case of a lever, the mechanical advantage is directly related to the length of each arm. Each arm has an equal effect on the MA.

How to calculate mechanical advantage?

How to calculate a mechanical advantage

First, measure the length of the effort arm.
This is the end of the arm that will have force applied to it by the user of the leverage.
Next, measure the length of the load arm.
The load arm is the portion of the level that will apply a load to the end object.
Calculate the mechanical advantage.
Enter the length of the load arm and effort arms into the ratio to calculate the mechanical advantage.

FAQ

What is a mechanical advantage?

Mechanical advantage is a term used to describe the ratio of an output force to the input force of a given system designed to increase output force.