Pulley Calculator
Calculate Effort Force
Effort = Load / Number of supporting ropes
Calculate Maximum Load
Load = Effort × Number of supporting ropes
Formula
Effort = Load / MA | MA = Number of supporting ropes
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a pulley system reduce effort?
A pulley system distributes the load across multiple rope segments. The mechanical advantage equals the number of rope segments supporting the load. With 4 pulleys, you only need 1/4 of the force, but you must pull 4 times the rope length.
What is mechanical advantage?
Mechanical advantage is the ratio of output force to input force. In pulley systems, it equals the number of supporting rope segments. A 4:1 MA means you exert 1/4 the force but pull 4x the distance.
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