About this calculator
If the force is at an angle, only the part along the motion counts, so cos θ is included.
How to use it
- Choose what to find, enter the other values with their units, and read the answer in every common unit.
The formula
W = F × d × cos θ; power = W ÷ t
- F
- force
- d
- distance moved
- θ
- angle between force and motion
Worked example
A 50 N push over 20 m
- W = 50 × 20 × cos 0° = 1,000 J.
- Pulled at 60°: 1,000 × 0.5 = 500 J.
What the result means
Carrying a bag horizontally does no work on it in physics terms, since the force (upwards) is at 90° to the motion.
Assumptions
- Constant force and straight-line motion.
Limitations
- Angles of 90° or more give zero or negative work and are not accepted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the unit of work?
The joule: 1 J = 1 N × 1 m.
When is work zero?
When nothing moves, or when the force is at right angles to the motion.
How are work and power related?
Power is work divided by the time taken.
Last reviewed on 6 October 2026. Found a mistake? Tell us.