Balance F₁ d₁ = F₂ d₂ about a fulcrum and find mechanical advantage d₁ / d₂.
| Load (N) | – |
| MA | – |
Use this calculator for an ideal rigid lever. Distances are measured along the bar from the pivot. A long effort arm and a short load arm multiply force: F₂ = F₁ d₁ / d₂ and MA = d₁ / d₂. There is no friction and the bar is treated as weightless. Class 1 has the fulcrum in the middle; the same equation still holds if you measure both arms from the pivot.
50 N at 0.4 m against a 0.1 m load arm gives F₂ = 200 N and MA = 4. Both arms must be greater than zero.
Effort (N): Force you apply.
Effort arm (m): Your force to the pivot.
Load arm (m): Load to the pivot.
Load (N): Balanced load F₂.
MA: Mechanical advantage d₁ / d₂.
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