This mechanical advantage of a lever calculator finds the MA from the lengths of the effort arm and the load arm about the fulcrum. Enter both distances above.
Formula
MA = Effort arm ÷ Load arm
Example
Effort arm 100 cm, load arm 20 cm: MA = 100 ÷ 20 = 5.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate lever mechanical advantage?
Divide the effort arm length by the load arm length, both measured from the fulcrum.
What is the effort arm?
It is the distance from the fulcrum to where you apply the effort; a longer effort arm gives more advantage.
Which lever class has MA above 1?
First-class levers can, and second-class levers always do, because the load sits closer to the fulcrum than the effort.