Calculate the physical work done by a force over a distance.
degrees
Work Done (W)
50J
How is this calculated?
Work Formula: W = F × d × cos(θ)
W = 10 N × 5 m × cos(0°)
W = 10 × 5 × 1
W = 50 J
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About the Work Calculator
In physics, work isn't just about putting in effort. It's a specific measurement of energy transferred when a force moves an object. Use this calculator to instantly determine the work done given force, displacement, and angle.
Mathematical Formula & Logic
Work (Constant Force)
W = F * d * cos(theta)
- W = Work (J)
- F = Force (N)
- d = Displacement (m)
- theta = Angle between force and displacement (degrees)
Work-Energy Theorem
W = K_f - K_i
- W = Net Work (J)
- K_f = Final Kinetic Energy (J)
- K_i = Initial Kinetic Energy (J)
Step-by-Step Example
Pushing a box with 10 Newtons of force over 5 meters in the exact same direction (0 degrees) does 50 Joules of work.
Pulling a sled with a rope at a 60-degree angle using 20 Newtons of force over 10 meters does 100 Joules of work.
Reference Data & Values
force
distance
angle
work
10
5
0
50
20
10
60
100
50
5
90
0
15
20
180
-300
100
0
45
0
Frequently Asked Questions
The general formula is W = F × d × cos(θ), where W is work, F is force, d is displacement, and θ is the angle between the force and displacement.
The standard SI unit for work is the Joule (J). One Joule is equal to one Newton-meter (N·m).
Yes, work is negative if the force acts in the opposite direction of the movement (like friction slowing an object down). This happens when the angle is between 90 and 180 degrees.
No. In physics, if the displacement is zero, the work done is zero, regardless of how much force is applied. You can push on a brick wall all day, but you do zero work on the wall.
Work is a scalar quantity. Although it is calculated from two vectors (force and displacement), their dot product results in a scalar, meaning work has no direction, only magnitude.
The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy.
If the force is applied at a 90-degree angle to the movement, the work done is zero because cos(90) = 0. For example, carrying a bag horizontally at a constant speed does no work on the bag.
Friction applies a force opposite to the direction of motion, resulting in negative work which removes kinetic energy from the object.