equal to the distance ratio, the ratio of input distance moved to output distance moved = {d_\text{in} \over d_\text{out}}\,|cellpadding = 0|border = 1|border colour = black|background colour = transparent}}This can be calculated from the geometry of the machine. For example, the mechanical advantage and distance ratio of the lever is equal to the ratio of its lever arms.

The mechanical advantage can be greater or less than one:
* If , the output force is greater than