Check whether moments about a pivot balance, and find the force needed for equilibrium.
A lever balances when the moments about the pivot are equal, which is why a small force at a long distance holds a large force at a short one. Solving for the balancing force is a single division. Moment balance is the basis of every crane, beam and cantilever check, and it is what determines tipping loads.
Torque Equilibrium
Equilibrium requires Σ(F × d) = 0 about the pivot
Equilibrium requires Σ(F × d) = 0 about the pivot A lever balances when the moments about the pivot are equal, which is why a small force at a long distance holds a large force at a short one. Solving for the balancing force is a single division.
Moment balance is the basis of every crane, beam and cantilever check, and it is what determines tipping loads.
This calculator takes 4 inputs: Force on side one, Distance from the pivot, Force on side two, Distance from the pivot. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.