SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/eng-mechanical-advantage-definition

How is the mechanical advantage (MA) of a simple machine defined?

Output force divided by input force.

Start playing free

  1. Output work divided by input work
  2. Input distance times input force
  3. Output force divided by input force ✔

Why: An MA of 5 means an input force of 1 unit produces 5 units of output force. In an ideal machine, the input point moves 5 times farther. Output work divided by input work is efficiency, not MA.

Huh, didn't know that: For an ideal lever, MA equals the input lever arm divided by the output lever arm.

The dad joke
Give me a lever long enough and I'll move the world. Just don't ask me to carry it home.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Output force divided by input force. An MA of 5 means an input force of 1 unit produces 5 units of output force. In an ideal machine, the input point moves 5 times farther. Output work divided by input work is efficiency, not MA.

  1. OpenStax College Physics 2e: 9.5 Simple Machines openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/pages/9-5-simple-machines
    The ratio of output to input force magnitudes for any simple machine is called its mechanical advantage (MA).
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

EngineeringFor an ideal pulley system, the mechanical advantage is roughly equal to what?EngineeringHow many base units does the International System of Units (SI) have?EngineeringSince the SI redefinition voted in 2018, what defines the kilogram?

That's stuff everyone should know.