Work Done by a Force

About this calculator

This calculator uses the physics definition of mechanical work, W = F × d × cos(θ), where F is the applied force, d is the displacement, and θ is the angle between the force and the direction of motion. The cosine term matters because only the component of force actually aligned with the movement does work — a force applied straight down on a horizontally-sliding box (θ = 90°) does zero work no matter how hard you push.

Physics students use it to solve classic problems like pulling a sled at an angle or pushing a lawnmower, and engineers use the same formula to size motors and actuators by working out exactly how much energy a task requires when the applied force isn't perfectly aligned with the direction of travel.