Work Energy Power Calculator
Work (the energy transferred) is the force applied along the direction of motion multiplied by the distance moved: W = F x d, measured in joules (J), where one joule equals one newton acting over one metre.
Enter Values
How to use this calculator
- Enter the force in newtons (N) acting along the direction of motion, and the distance moved in metres (m).
- Leave Time blank to get just the work done, or enter a time in seconds (s) to also get the power delivered.
- Read the work in joules and kilojoules; if a time was given, also read the power in watts, kilowatts, and horsepower.
How it works
Work (the energy transferred) is the force applied along the direction of motion multiplied by the distance moved: W = F x d, measured in joules (J), where one joule equals one newton acting over one metre. This tool assumes the force acts in the direction of motion; if the force is at an angle, first multiply it by the cosine of that angle.
Power is the rate at which work is done: P = W / t, measured in watts (W), where one watt is one joule per second. The result is also shown in kilowatts and in mechanical horsepower using 1 hp = 745.699872 W.
Worked example
Lifting a load steadily up a ramp. A worker pushes a cart with a steady 100 N force along the direction of motion, moving it 20 m in 10 s. Work = 100 x 20 = 2,000 J (2 kJ) of energy transferred. Power = 2,000 J / 10 s = 200 W, which is 0.2 kW or about 0.2682 hp.
Common mistakes
- Confusing energy with power — joules measure the total work done, while watts measure how fast that work is delivered over time.
- Using a force that is not along the direction of motion. Only the component of force in the direction of travel does work; multiply by cos(angle) first if the force is at an angle.
- Entering distance in centimetres or force in kilograms. This tool expects newtons and metres; a mass in kilograms must be converted to a force (weight = mass x 9.81) before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for work, energy, and power?
Work done (energy transferred) is W = F x d, where F is the force in newtons acting along the motion and d is the distance in metres, giving joules. Power is P = W / t, the work divided by the time in seconds, giving watts. Together they link how much energy is moved and how quickly.
How do I convert watts to horsepower?
Divide the power in watts by 745.699872 to get mechanical horsepower. For example, 200 W / 745.699872 = 0.2682 hp. This tool shows the horsepower automatically whenever you enter a time.
Do I have to enter a time?
No. Leave Time blank and the tool returns just the work done (energy transferred) in joules and kilojoules. Enter a time in seconds and it additionally calculates the power in watts, kilowatts, and horsepower.
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