{
    "name": "Work Calculator",
    "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/mechanical-work-calculator",
    "markdown": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/mechanical-work-calculator.md",
    "category": "Science & engineering",
    "description": "Calculate the mechanical work done by a force over a distance at any angle, or the force or distance for a given amount of work, in J, kJ or ft·lbf.",
    "summary": "Work is done when a force moves something: W = F × d × cosθ, where θ is the angle between the force and the direction of motion. Only the part of the force along the motion counts.",
    "also_called": [
        "Work done calculator",
        "W = Fd calculator"
    ],
    "applies_to": "Worldwide",
    "last_updated": "2026-10-29",
    "computation": "Results are computed in the visitor’s browser on the HTML page. This API describes the calculator; it does not compute results.",
    "inputs": [
        {
            "name": "solve",
            "label": "Solve for",
            "type": "segmented",
            "default": "work",
            "options": {
                "work": "Work",
                "force": "Force",
                "distance": "Distance"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "force",
            "label": "Force",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "200",
            "shown_when": {
                "solve": [
                    "work",
                    "distance"
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "force_unit",
            "label": "Force unit",
            "type": "select",
            "default": "n",
            "options": {
                "n": "newtons (N)",
                "kn": "kilonewtons (kN)",
                "lbf": "pounds-force (lbf)",
                "kgf": "kilograms-force (kgf)"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "distance",
            "label": "Distance moved",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "10",
            "shown_when": {
                "solve": [
                    "work",
                    "force"
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "distance_unit",
            "label": "Distance unit",
            "type": "select",
            "default": "m",
            "options": {
                "m": "metres (m)",
                "cm": "centimetres (cm)",
                "mm": "millimetres (mm)",
                "km": "kilometres (km)",
                "ft": "feet (ft)",
                "in": "inches (in)",
                "mi": "miles (mi)"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "work",
            "label": "Work",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "1000",
            "shown_when": {
                "solve": [
                    "force",
                    "distance"
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "work_unit",
            "label": "Work unit",
            "type": "select",
            "default": "j",
            "options": {
                "j": "joules (J)",
                "kj": "kilojoules (kJ)",
                "mj": "megajoules (MJ)",
                "wh": "watt-hours (Wh)",
                "kwh": "kilowatt-hours (kWh)",
                "cal": "calories (cal)",
                "kcal": "kilocalories (kcal)",
                "ftlbf": "foot-pounds (ft·lbf)",
                "btu": "BTU"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "angle",
            "label": "Angle between force and motion",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "30",
            "unit": "°",
            "optional": true
        }
    ],
    "outputs": [
        {
            "key": "answer",
            "label": "Result",
            "format": "text"
        },
        {
            "key": "work_j",
            "label": "Work",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "work_kj",
            "label": "Work",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "work_ftlbf",
            "label": "Work",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "force_n",
            "label": "Force",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "distance_m",
            "label": "Distance",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "force_along_n",
            "label": "Force component along the motion",
            "format": "number"
        }
    ],
    "formula": {
        "text": "W = F d cosθ;  F = W ÷ (d cosθ);  d = W ÷ (F cosθ)",
        "variables": {
            "W": "work in joules (1 ft·lbf = 1.35582 J)",
            "F": "force in N",
            "d": "distance moved in m",
            "θ": "angle between the force and the direction of motion"
        }
    },
    "worked_example": {
        "inputs": {
            "solve": "distance",
            "force": "50",
            "force_unit": "n",
            "distance": "10",
            "distance_unit": "m",
            "work": "100",
            "work_unit": "j",
            "angle": "0"
        },
        "steps": [
            "With the force along the motion, cos 0° = 1.",
            "d = W ÷ F = 100 ÷ 50 = 2 m."
        ],
        "result": "A 50 N push does 100 J of work after moving its load 2 m."
    },
    "interpretation": "A force at right angles to the motion does no work, which is why carrying a bag across level ground does no mechanical work on it even though your arms tire. Above 90° the work is negative: the force takes energy out, as friction or braking does.",
    "assumptions": [
        "Constant force and a straight-line displacement."
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "For a varying force, add up F·d over small steps (or integrate) instead."
    ],
    "rules": null,
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "What is a joule?",
            "answer": "The work done by a 1 N force moving its point of application 1 m. Lifting a 100 g apple 1 m takes about 1 J."
        },
        {
            "question": "How is work related to power?",
            "answer": "Power is work per second. Divide the work by the time taken, or use the Mechanical Power Calculator."
        }
    ],
    "sources": [
        {
            "title": "BIPM: The International System of Units (SI)",
            "url": "https://www.bipm.org/"
        }
    ],
    "related": [
        {
            "name": "Mechanical Power Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/mechanical-power-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Kinetic Energy Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/kinetic-energy-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Potential Energy Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/potential-energy-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Force Calculator (F = ma)",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/force-mass-acceleration-calculator"
        }
    ],
    "disclaimer": null,
    "publisher": "GM¹X CalcVerse"
}