Physics

Instant, private, and free

Work Calculator.

Calculate constant-force mechanical work with an included angle.

On-device calculationNo signup
01

Set your values

Results update as you type.

Work: 200 J

Work

200.000000J

Results update automatically as you type.

Use Cases

Physics Homework and Exam Prep

Quickly verify your manual calculations for constant-force work problems. Enter force, displacement, and angle to check your answers and understand the effect of the angle on work.

Example: Calculate work done when a 50 N force moves an object 3 m at a 30° angle.

Engineering and Design Calculations

Estimate the work required in mechanical systems, such as moving loads along inclined planes or with angled forces, to inform design decisions.

Example: Determine work needed to slide a 200 N crate 5 m up a ramp with a 15° incline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the formula used by the Work Calculator?
The calculator uses the formula W = F × d × cos(θ), where F is the force in newtons, d is the displacement in meters, and θ is the included angle between the force and displacement vectors in degrees. The result is the work done in joules.
What does the included angle represent?
The included angle is the angle between the direction of the applied force and the direction of displacement. It is measured in degrees. For example, if you push a box horizontally, the angle is 0°, and if you lift it vertically, the angle is 90°.
Can the Work Calculator handle negative work?
Yes. If the included angle is between 90° and 180°, the cosine is negative, resulting in negative work. This occurs when the force opposes the displacement, such as when friction slows down a moving object.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Ensure the force is in newtons (N) and displacement in meters (m) to get work in joules (J).
  • The included angle is between the force vector and the displacement vector, not the angle of the surface.
  • For an angle of 0°, work is simply force times displacement; for 90°, work is zero.
  • Double-check that your angle is in degrees, as the calculator expects degrees, not radians.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using the angle between the force and the horizontal instead of the angle between the force and the displacement.
  • Forgetting to convert units to newtons and meters, leading to incorrect work values.
  • Misinterpreting negative work as an error; it correctly indicates force opposing motion.

Last updated: August 13, 2026