A fulcrum is a point of support or pivot around which a lever rotates. It is the point at which a bar or something that is balancing is supported or balances. A lever is a simple machine made of a rigid beam and a fulcrum. The effort (input force) and load (output force) are applied to either end of the beam. When an effort is applied to one end of the lever, a load is applied at the other end of the lever. This will move a mass upward. There are three types of levers, and the location of the fulcrum determines the type of lever. In a first-class lever, the fulcrum is located between the load and the effort. In a second-class lever, the load is between the fulcrum and the effort. In a third-class lever, the effort is between the fulcrum and the load.