This mechanical advantage of a pulley calculator finds the ideal advantage of a block and tackle from the number of rope sections supporting the load. Enter that number above.
Formula
Ideal MA = Number of supporting rope sections
Example
A block and tackle with 4 rope sections supporting the load has an ideal MA of 4 — a 100 N pull lifts 400 N (ignoring friction).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate pulley mechanical advantage?
Count the rope sections directly supporting the load. That count is the ideal mechanical advantage.
Does adding pulleys increase force?
Yes, more supporting rope sections raise the mechanical advantage, but you pull more rope to lift the same distance.
Is this the actual or ideal MA?
It is ideal, ignoring friction. Real pulleys lose some advantage to friction in the sheaves.