Mechanical advantage = output force ÷ input force
Identify the load force
Identify the effort force
Divide the load force by the effort force
For ideal mechanical advantage, use distance ratio or number of supporting rope segments
For a lever, mechanical advantage = effort arm ÷ load arm
For a pulley system, mechanical advantage = number of rope sections supporting the load
For an inclined plane, mechanical advantage = length of slope ÷ height
For a wheel and axle, mechanical advantage = radius of wheel ÷ radius of axle
For a screw, mechanical advantage = circumference ÷ pitch
For a gear system, mechanical advantage = output gear teeth ÷ input gear teeth
Use consistent units for all force or distance values
Compare actual mechanical advantage with ideal mechanical advantage if needed