How do you calculate the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane?

The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane describes how much a machine amplifies the input force. To find this advantage, you need to consider the relationship between the lengths involved. The correct calculation for the mechanical advantage is given by the ratio of the horizontal length of the ramp to the vertical rise. This calculation indicates how a smaller effort can lift a heavier weight by using a longer distance.

When you use an inclined plane, the longer the ramp (horizontal length) compared to the height (vertical rise), the more advantageous it is in reducing the force needed to lift an object. Thus, by measuring the two respective lengths and forming the ratio, you can effectively understand the extent to which the incline allows you to overcome the gravitational force acting on the object being lifted.