Work Calculator
Inputs
0° = force in same direction. 90° = no work.
Enter parameters like Force and Distance to calculate Work.
What is Work in Physics?
In physics, work is the measure of energy transfer that occurs when an object is moved over a distance by an ideal force. It is not about effort or time, but about displacement.
If you push a wall all day and it doesn't move, you might be tired, but in physics terms, you have done zero work because distance is zero.
The Work Formula
The general formula for work includes the angle between the force and the direction of movement:
W = F × d × cos(θ)- W = Work Done (Joules, J)
- F = Force applied (Newtons, N)
- d = Displacement (Meters, m)
- θ (theta) = Angle between force and direction of motion
Why the Angle Matters?
If you push a box flat on the floor, the angle is 0° (cos 0° = 1), so W = F × d.
If you pull a suitcase by a handle at an angle, only the horizontal component of your force contributes to moving it forward. The vertical part just lifts it slightly.
If you carry a bag while walking horizontally, the force (lifting up against gravity) is perpendicular (90°) to the motion (forward). Since cos(90°) = 0, you do no work on the bag against gravity!
Examples
Example 1: Pushing a Box
You push with 50 N of force for 10 meters.
- Force (F) = 50 N
- Distance (d) = 10 m
- Angle = 0°
- Work = 50 × 10 × 1 = 500 Joules
Example 2: Pulling a Sled
You pull a sled with 100 N force at a 60° angle for 5 meters.
- Force (F) = 100 N
- Distance (d) = 5 m
- Angle = 60° (cos 60° = 0.5)
- Work = 100 × 5 × 0.5 = 250 Joules
Frequently Asked Questions
Can work be negative?
Yes. Friction, for example, does negative work because it acts in the opposite direction of motion (180° angle). This removes energy from the system.
Is Work the same as Power?
No. Work is the amount of energy transferred. Power is how fast that work is done (Work / Time).
What unit is Torque?
Torque is also Force × Distance (N·m), but displacement vector is different (rotational). Work is energy (Joules), while Torque causes rotation.