Ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) calculates how much a mechanism amplifies input force based purely on its geometry. It is determined by the ratio of the distance the input force moves to the distance the output load moves. Engineers use this baseline to evaluate the fundamental leverage of a linkage or gear train before factoring in real-world energy losses.
Heard on the job
The lever gives us an IMA of five, but with the pivot binding, the actual advantage is closer to three.
Insider tip
IMA will always be higher than actual mechanical advantage (AMA); the difference between the two tells you how efficient your mechanism is.
Also heard as
- ideal mechanical advantage