What is the formula for calculating efficiency?

The formula for calculating efficiency is defined as the ratio of useful work output to total work input, typically expressed as a percentage. By dividing the useful work output by the total work input, you get a decimal representation of how effectively the system converts input energy into useful work. Multiplying this result by 100% then converts it into a percentage form, which makes it easier to interpret and compare efficiencies.

This approach effectively highlights how much of the input work is transformed into useful output, thus providing a clear measure of the system's performance. Understanding efficiency in this way is crucial in fields like engineering and physics, where optimizing performance is often a primary goal.