Work Calculator
Calculate work done by a force over a distance (W = F × d × cosθ).
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Quick Tip
Enter the force applied, in newtons.
About This Tool
Why use Work Calculator?
Work is done when a force moves an object: W = F × d × cos θ, where θ is the angle between the force and the direction of movement. Enter the force in newtons, the displacement in metres and the angle, and the result is the work in joules.
Pushing with 100 N over 5 metres in the direction of travel does 500 J of work. Push at 60° to the direction and only the component along the path counts: 100 × 5 × cos 60° = 250 J. At 90° the cosine is zero, so carrying a bag horizontally does no work against gravity, however heavy it feels.
Key Benefits
Angle included properly
The cos θ term is applied, so forces at an angle give the correct, smaller amount of work.
Joules, the same unit as energy
Work and energy share units, so the result can be compared directly with kinetic or potential energy.
Negative work handled
Angles beyond 90° give a negative result, which is what friction and braking do.
How to use Work Calculator
- 1
Enter the force applied, in newtons.
- 2
Enter the displacement in metres — the distance moved in the direction being measured.
- 3
Enter the angle between the force and the movement; use 0 when they point the same way.
- 4
Read the work done in joules.
Best use cases
Answer work-energy questions in physics homework.
Work out the energy needed to move a load a set distance.
Calculate the work done against friction over a known path.
Convert a force-and-distance measurement into joules for a lab report.
Work Calculator FAQs
What is the formula for work?
W = F × d × cos θ. With force in newtons and distance in metres, work comes out in joules.
Why is no work done when carrying something horizontally?
The upward force you apply is at 90° to the horizontal movement, and cos 90° = 0. Your muscles still use energy, but no mechanical work is done against gravity.
What does negative work mean?
The force opposes the motion, removing energy from the object. Friction and braking forces do negative work.
How are work and power related?
Power is work divided by time. Doing 500 J of work in 10 seconds is 50 watts.
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