In physics, work is done only when a force moves something in the direction of the force.
How to use the Work Calculator
- Force
- Distance
- Angle between force and motion
- Time taken (optional)
- Want to work backwards? Type a value into Work done and Distance is calculated for you.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Multiply force by distance and by the cosine of the angle between them.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Force | Units: N, kN, lbf, kgf |
| Distance | Units: m, cm, mm, km, in, ft … |
| Angle between force and motion | In ° |
| Time taken (optional) | Units: s, min, h |
Example values
How the main result changes when Distance changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Distance (m) | Work done (J) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 500 |
| 7.5 | 750 |
| 10 | 1,000 |
| 12.5 | 1,250 |
| 15 | 1,500 |
| 20 | 2,000 |
Formula
W = F × d × cos θP = W ÷ tWorked example
Inputs — Force: 100 N; Distance: 10 m; Angle between force and motion: 0 °; Time taken (optional): 5 s.
Results — Work done = 1,000 J; Average power = 200 W.
Frequently asked questions
Is carrying a box horizontally work?
Against gravity, no: the force is vertical and the motion horizontal.
What unit is work measured in?
Joules, the same as energy.
What formula does the Work Calculator use?
W = F × d × cos θ.
Can I work backwards from the result?
Yes. Type the result you want into Work done and the calculator finds the matching distance.