Simple Machine Calculator

Enter value and click on calculate. Result will be displayed.

R1 = Radius of Wider Pulley
R2 = Radius of Smaller Pulley
Fw = Load to be Lifted
Fl = Lifting Force Applied

Enter your values:
Radius of Wider Pulley: Cm
Radius of Smaller Pulley: Cm
Load to be Lifted: N
Lifting Force Applied: N
Ideal Mechanical Advantage:
Actual Mechanical Advantage:
Efficiency: %

Simple Machine is a mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force. In general, they can be defined as the simplest mechanisms that use mechanical advantage to multiply force.


The idea of a simple machine originated with the Greek philosopher Archimedes around the 3nd century BC, who studied the Archimedean simple machines: lever, pulley, and screw. He discovered the principle of leverage, or mechanical advantage Heron of Alexandria (ca. 10-75 CE) in his work Mechanics lists 5 mechanisms with which a load can be set in motion: winch, lever, pulley, wedge, and screw.

The complete dynamic theory of simple machines was worked out by Galileo Galilei in 1600 in Le Meccaniche. He was the first to understand that simple machines don't create energy, only transform it.