Work Calculator
Calculate Work values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
This work calculator finds the physics work done by a force moving an object over a distance, accounting for the angle between the force and the direction of motion.
Enter the force, distance, and angle, and the calculator returns the work done.
Worked Calculation Examples
| Scenario | Result | Calculation Step |
|---|---|---|
| Force 20 N, distance 5 m, applied in direction of motion (0°) | W = 100 J | W = 20 × 5 × cos(0°) = 20 × 5 × 1 = 100 J. |
| Force 15 N, distance 4 m, applied at 60° | W = 30 J | W = 15 × 4 × cos(60°) = 15 × 4 × 0.5 = 30 J. |
The Work Formula
Work = force x distance x cos(angle), where angle is measured between the direction of the applied force and the direction of motion. Work is measured in joules, and it's maximized when force is applied directly in the direction of motion (angle = 0, where cos = 1).
When No Work Is Done, Physically Speaking
If a force is applied perpendicular to the direction of motion (angle = 90 degrees), physics work equals zero, since cos(90°) = 0 - this is why carrying a box horizontally at constant height involves no work against gravity, even though it clearly takes physical effort in everyday terms.
How to Use the Work Calculator
- Open the Work Calculator and enter the values requested in the input fields.
- Check the units, percentages, dates, or time periods before reading the answer.
- Review the instant result and adjust any value to compare another scenario.
- Use the formula, example, and FAQs below to understand how the work calculator works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula for work in physics?
Work = force x distance x cos(angle), where angle is the angle between the force direction and the direction the object moves.
What are the units of work?
Work is measured in joules (J) in the SI system, where one joule equals one newton of force applied over one meter of distance.
Why is no work done when carrying something at a constant height?
The force you apply (upward, against gravity) is perpendicular to the direction of horizontal motion, and cos(90°) = 0, so the physics definition of work done against gravity is zero in that direction.
How do I use this work calculator?
Enter the known values, review the units or settings, and the calculator updates the result instantly. The formula and example on this page show how the answer is produced.
What does the Work Calculator calculate?
Calculate Work values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems. It is designed for fast browser-based calculations without sign-up, downloads, or manual spreadsheet setup.
What formula does this work use?
The formula is: W = F × d × cos(θ). The physics definition of work was formalized in the early 19th century by French mathematician Gaspard-Gustave de Coriolis, who also gave the concept its modern name in an 1829 paper on mechanics. The joule, the SI unit of work and energy, was named decades later after physicist James Prescott Joule, whose careful experiments in the 1840s established the equivalence between mechanical work and heat, a foundational result for the law of conservation of energy.
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Last updated: September 27, 2026.