Work Calculator (W = Fd·cosθ)
Calculate mechanical work done W = F·d·cos(θ). Enter force, distance and angle between force and displacement to get work in Joules.
How to use this tool
- Enter force, distance and angle between f and d in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your work done and the full breakdown beneath it.
Mechanical work is done when a force moves an object: W = F · d · cos(θ), where θ is the angle between the force vector and the direction of displacement. No work is done by a force perpendicular to motion (θ = 90°).
Frequently asked questions
- What if the force is applied at an angle?
- Only the component along the direction of motion does work. A force at 60° contributes cos(60°) = 0.5 of its magnitude.
- How is work related to energy?
- The work-energy theorem states that net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy: W_net = ΔKE.