Calculation details
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What does this calculator estimate?
A 300-newton force moving an object 4 meters does 1,200 joules of work; over 2 seconds that is 600 watts of power. Work = force x distance; power = work / time.
- Work (J) = force (N) x distance (m).
- Power (W) = work (J) / time (s).
- One watt is one joule per second (NIST).
What work and power mean
In physics, work is force applied over distance — lifting, pushing, or moving something. Power is how fast that work happens. A powerful machine does the same work faster: 1 watt is 1 joule per second.
Limitations to watch for
Work is done only by the force component in the direction of motion — pushing sideways while something moves forward does no work on it. Friction and other forces complicate real-world totals. The tool assumes force parallel to motion.
How to use it in practice
Measure the applied force and the distance moved in the force's direction, then multiply. Divide by time for power. Use it to size motors, compare effort, and understand energy transfer.
['Enter the force in newtons.', 'Enter the distance in meters.', 'Enter the time in seconds (defaults to 1); the tool computes work and power.']
How this calculator works
Formula
Work W = F × d (force in newtons × distance in meters), in joules. Power P = W ÷ t (work ÷ time), in watts. Time defaults to 1 s.
Worked example
Pushing with 100 N over 5 m: W = 500 J. Doing it in 10 s: P = 50 W.
Assumptions to verify
- Force acts parallel to the direction of motion.
- Force is constant over the distance.
- No friction or other losses are included.
Frequently asked questions
What is work in physics?
Force applied over distance: W = F × d, in joules. 100 N over 5 m = 500 J.
What is power?
Work per unit time: P = W ÷ t, in watts. 500 J in 10 s = 50 W.
What is a joule?
The SI unit of energy and work: 1 J = 1 N·m. Lifting a 100 g apple 1 m takes about 1 J.
What is a watt?
One joule per second. A 100 W bulb uses 100 J every second.
Why does direction matter?
Only the force component along the motion does work. Carrying a box horizontally does no work against gravity — the vertical force doesn't move.
How do I convert to horsepower?
1 hp ≈ 745.7 W. A 1,000 W motor is about 1.34 hp.
What about friction?
Friction opposes motion and consumes energy — the work you do exceeds the useful work on the object. The tool ignores losses.
Cite this tool
BoringToolsKit. “Work and Power Calculator.” boringtoolskit.com/work-power-calculator/ (reviewed 2026-08-25). Free to reference in articles, syllabi, and answer posts with a link.
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