As a somewhat over-simplified answer:
The mechanical advantage gained from a -set- of pulleys (such as a block and tackle) will most commonly be determined as follows:
'cut through' the center of all the cables - and count how many total cables (N) are being used (including the 'input' cable)
Mechanical advantage will (usually) be (N-1)/1
It is quite possible to create unusual configurations, though, with very different advantages. For any out-of-the-ordinary situations, it is best to carefully examine the specific actions taking place.
Curmudgeon