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What is a lever?
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Quick answer
A lever is a simple machine made of a stiff bar that pivots around a fixed point called a fulcrum. By pushing down on one end, you can lift a heavy load on the other — trading a longer push for greater lifting force. Seesaws, scissors, and crowbars are all levers.
Key things to understand
- A lever has three parts: the fulcrum (pivot), the effort (force you apply), and the load (what you move).
- Pushing far from the fulcrum lets a small effort lift a large load — that's the lever's mechanical advantage.
- There are three classes of lever, depending on where the fulcrum, effort, and load sit.
- Everyday levers include seesaws, crowbars, bottle openers, scissors, and even your forearm.
- The longer the effort arm compared with the load arm, the more force the lever multiplies.
People also ask
How does a lever make work easier?
By letting you apply a smaller force over a longer distance. Pushing far from the fulcrum multiplies your force, so a little effort can move a heavy load.
What is the fulcrum?
The fixed pivot point that a lever turns around. Where the fulcrum sits relative to the effort and load decides how much the lever multiplies your force.
What are examples of levers?
Seesaws, crowbars, scissors, bottle openers, wheelbarrows, and pliers — and biologically, your forearm acts as a lever pivoting at the elbow.
Part of the guide: Everyday Machines →