Work measures energy transferred by a force acting through a distance.
About this calculator
Work measures energy transferred by a force acting through a distance. This calculator uses W = Fs when force and displacement point the same way. Enter force in newtons and displacement in metres.
Example: pushing a crate with 50 N through 4 m does 200 J of work. Lifting 20 kg vertically 2 m needs about 392 N of force (mg) and roughly 784 J of work against gravity.
Work links directly to energy. The [[kinetic-energy]] calculator shows the energy of motion that work can create. The [[gravitational-potential-energy]] calculator gives stored energy at height. Find the force with the [[force]] calculator (F = ma) or weight as mg. The [[pressure]] calculator uses force over area, not distance.
Common uses
- Work–energy theorem homework problems
- Calculating work to lift loads vertically
- Finding energy to push objects on flat surfaces
- Introductory physics lab write-ups
- Comparing work done at different forces or distances
Frequently asked questions
How much work is done by a 50 N force over 4 metres?
W = Fs = 50 × 4 = 200 J. Enter force 50 and displacement 4. The result is 200 joules.
How do you calculate work to lift a 20 kg mass 2 m?
Force ≈ mg = 20 × 9.8 = 196 N. Work ≈ 196 × 2 = 392 J. Enter force 196 (or compute from mass) and displacement 2.
Can work be negative?
Yes, when force opposes displacement (e.g. friction slowing a box). This calculator multiplies signed values — enter negative force or displacement if your problem uses that convention.
Is work the same as power?
No. Work is energy transferred (joules). Power is work per unit time (watts). This calculator returns total work for the given distance.