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Science & Engineering

Work Calculator

Calculate mechanical work from force, displacement and the angle between them, plus average power if time is given.

Your inputs

Results

Work done

500 J

Average power
100 W
In kWh
0.00013889 kWh

✓Exact calculation — rounded only for display

What this calculator does

Work is done when a force moves something along its direction.

Formula and method

W = F × d × cos θ; P = W ÷ t

Worked example

Calculated by this tool with its default inputs:

Inputs

  • Force: 100 N
  • Displacement: 10 m
  • Angle between force and motion: 60 °
  • Time taken (optional, for power): 5 s

Results

  • Work done: 500 J
  • Average power: 100 W
  • In kWh: 0.00013889 kWh

How to read the results

A force perpendicular to the motion does no work.

Assumptions and limitations

  • Constant force assumed.

These are educational estimates. Electrical, structural and other safety-critical work must comply with local codes and be designed or checked by a qualified professional.

Questions

Can work be negative?

Yes — when the force opposes the motion (θ > 90°), such as friction.

Methodology and verification

Result type
Exact mathematical calculation (rounded only for display)
Formula version
1.0
Automated verification
3 reference and validation test cases, checked against independently computed values. The site cannot be built if any of them fail.
Editorial review
Awaiting human editorial review. The explanation was drafted with AI assistance; the formula and examples are verified by the automated tests above.

Privacy

Everything you enter is calculated in this browser and is not sent to Numerith or anyone else. Inputs are added to a share link only if you choose to include them. Privacy policy