Created By : Naaz Fatima

Reviewed By : Phani Ponnapalli

Last Updated : May 18, 2023


Try the free Mechanical Advantage Calculator tool to calculate the mechanical average of a pulley, lever, screw, wedge, ramp(inclined plane), wheel, and axle. This Pulley Mechanical Advantage Calculator will show you how these basic mechanisms amplify force.

Lever

Effort arm:
Load arm:
Mechanical advantage:
                 

Pulley

Number of pulleys:
Mechanical advantage:
                 

Screw

Diameter:
Lead:
Mechanical advantage:
                 

Wedge

Wedge length:
Wedge thickness:
Mechanical advantage:
                 

Ramp (inclined plane)

Ramp height:
Ramp length:
Mechanical advantage:
                 

Wheel and axle

Wheel radius:
Axle radius:
Mechanical advantage:

Estimating Mechanical Advantage: Step-by-Step Guide

The ratio of output force to input force is known as mechanical advantage. In the sections below, you'll find extensive instructions and formulas for calculating the mechanical advantage of a lever, screw, pulley, wedge, ramp, wheel, and axis.

How to Calculate Mechanical Advantage of a Lever?

  • Compute the distance between the point of effort and the fulcrum (effort arm) and the distance between the point of resistance and the fulcrum (load arm).
  • Divide the value of the effort arm from the value of the load arm.
  • The lever mechanical advantage is the outcome.

How to Calculate Mechanical Advantage of a Pulley System?

  • From the question, determine the number of direct-attached pulleys.
  • To get the pulley mechanical advantage, multiply that number by two.

Mechanical Advantage of Lead Screw

  • From the question, note the diameter of the screw shaft and thread lead.
  • Divide the lead from the diameter.
  • Compute the screw's mechanical advantage by multiplying the result by.

Mechanical Advantage of Wedge

  • Divide the wedge's width and length.
  • To check the wedge's mechanical advantage, divide its width by its length.

How to Calculate Mechanical Advantage of a Ramp?

  • Make a note of the length and height of the ramp.
  • To calculate the mechanical advantage of a ramp, divide its length by its height.

Mechanical Advantages of Wheels and Axles

  • Calculate the wheel and axle radius.
  • To calculate the mechanical advantage of the wheel and axle, divide the wheel radius by the axle radius.

Mechanical Advantage Formulas

The division of output force to input force is known as mechanical advantage. The formulas for six simple machines may be found here: screw, wedge, ramp, lever, pulley, wheel, and axle.

Mechanical Advantage =output force/input force

Lever

The effort is defined as the point at which we can apply input force.A fulcrum is a point that remains stationary.The load is the resistance.

Mechanical Advantage=effort arm/load arm

Pulley

A pulley is a simple contraption with wheels and ropes. One pulley is made up of two wheels. Mechanical Advantage =2*n. The number of pulleys connecting to the object is denoted by n.

Screw

A screw is a cylindrical screw with a threaded shaft and a head. Mechanical Advantage = π*diameter of the screw shaft/lead of the thread

Wedge

A wedge is a triangle-shaped tool that is used to lift or divide heavy objects into two sections. Mechanical advantage=length/thickness

  • In this case, the thickness is measured horizontally.
  • The vertical direction is used to measure length.

Ramp (Inclined Plane)

The ramp (inclined plane) is a flat surface that is inclined at a 45┬░ angle to the horizontal. Mechanical Advantage = L/V i.e. Mechanical Advantage = 1/sin ╬╕

  • Here, L is the ramp length,
  • V is the ramp height,
  • ╬╕ is the angle formed by the slant length and the horizontal line.

Wheel and Axle

A wheel and axle are a machine that consists of two pieces. When a modest force is applied to the outside wheel, it is translated into the smaller axle and intensified. Mechanical Advantage = Wheel Radius/Axle radius

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.com to get quick answers by using this free tool.

Mechanical Advantage Examples

Question 1: Determine the mechanical advantage if 350 N of force is required to overcome a 500 N load?

Solution:

In this case, the input force is 250N, while the output force is 600 N.

Mechanical Advantage=output forceinput force

Mechanical Advantage=500350=107

Mechanical Advantage=1.42

As a result, the mechanical Advantage is 1.42.

FAQs on Mechanical Advantage Calculator

1. What does mechanical advantage imply?

The advantage achieved by using a mechanical means of transmitting force is known as mechanical advantage. It determines how much force is amplified by a machine system or mechanical equipment.


2. What is the formula for calculating mechanical advantage?

The ratio of output force to input force is known as mechanical advantage. To get the mechanical advantage value, substitute the values in the formula and divide them. Mechanical Advantage = Output Force/Input Force


3. How to use the Mechanical Advantage Calculator?

All you have to do is provide the necessary inputs and click on the calculate button to avail the output mechanical advantage in no time.