Pulley is a device that can increase the magnitude of the effort force.

Without Pulley

With no pulley - the effort force is similar to the load - in opposite direction.
S=F

(1)

where
S = effort force (N)
F = load (N)

Single Pulley
Fixed Pulley

With a single fixed pulley the effort force is similar (or more due to efficiency) to the load.
S=F

(2)

The advantage with the single fixed pulley is that the direction of force is changed - it is possible
to pull down instead of lifting up.

Movable Pulley

With a single moveable pulley the effort force is half (or more due to efficiency) of the load.
S = 1/2 F

(3)

Combined Pulley

With a combined moveable pulley as above - the effort force is half (or more due to efficiency) of
the load.
S = 1/2 F

(4)

With two pulleys and the ropes as above - the effort force is 1/3 (or more due to efficiency) of
the load.
S = 1/3 F

(5)