# Work Calculator

> 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.

Category: Science & engineering · Applies to: Worldwide · Last updated: 2026-10-29
Interactive calculator: https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/mechanical-work-calculator

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.

## Inputs
- Solve for (options: Work, Force, Distance; default work)
- Force (default 200)
- Force unit (options: newtons (N), kilonewtons (kN), pounds-force (lbf), kilograms-force (kgf); default n)
- Distance moved (default 10)
- Distance unit (options: metres (m), centimetres (cm), millimetres (mm), kilometres (km), feet (ft), inches (in), miles (mi); default m)
- Work (default 1000)
- Work unit (options: joules (J), kilojoules (kJ), megajoules (MJ), watt-hours (Wh), kilowatt-hours (kWh), calories (cal), kilocalories (kcal), foot-pounds (ft·lbf), BTU; default j)
- Angle between force and motion (unit °; default 30; optional)

## Results
- Result
- Work
- Work
- Work
- Force
- Distance
- Force component along the motion

## Formula

```
W = F d cosθ;  F = W ÷ (d cosθ);  d = W ÷ (F cosθ)
```

Where:
- 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
1. With the force along the motion, cos 0° = 1.
2. d = W ÷ F = 100 ÷ 50 = 2 m.

**Result:** A 50 N push does 100 J of work after moving its load 2 m.

## What the result means

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 and limits
- Constant force and a straight-line displacement.
- For a varying force, add up F·d over small steps (or integrate) instead.

## Questions

### What is a joule?

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.

### How is work related to power?

Power is work per second. Divide the work by the time taken, or use the Mechanical Power Calculator.

## Sources
- [BIPM: The International System of Units (SI)](https://www.bipm.org/)

## Related calculators
- [Mechanical Power Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/mechanical-power-calculator)
- [Kinetic Energy Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/kinetic-energy-calculator)
- [Potential Energy Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/potential-energy-calculator)
- [Force Calculator (F = ma)](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/force-mass-acceleration-calculator)

Source: GM¹X CalcVerse — https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/mechanical-work-calculator