Simple machine
![Table of simple mechanisms, from Chambers' Cyclopædia, 1728.[1] Simple machines provide a vocabulary for understanding more complex machines.](/uploads/202501/05/Table_of_Mechanicks,_Cyclopaedia,_Volume_23002.png)

A simple machine is a mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force. In general, they can be defined as the simplest mechanisms that use mechanical advantage (also called leverage) to multiply force. Usually the term refers to the six classical simple machines which were defined by Renaissance scientists: