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Physics formula

How to calculate work

Work measures energy transferred when a force moves an object.

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Direct answer
Formula
W = F * d

Use the table below to match each symbol with the right input. Keep units consistent before you start.

Work formula
Start here when you only need the equation and variable names.
Formula
W = F * d

Work measures energy transferred when a force moves an object.

Variable meanings
Check each symbol, meaning, and unit before you calculate.
SymbolNameDescriptionUnit
WWorkEnergy transferred.J
FForceApplied force.N
dDistanceDisplacement in the force direction.m
When to use this formula
Check that your situation matches the formula before you trust the result.
  • Work is the right formula when a constant force moves an object in the same direction as the displacement.
Step-by-step method
Follow these steps when you are solving it by hand.
  1. 1Convert force to newtons.
  2. 2Convert distance to meters.
  3. 3Use the distance in the force direction.
  4. 4Multiply force by distance.
Examples
These sample numbers show the order of operations and units.
Push a cart
F
40 N
d
5 m
  1. 1.W = 40 * 5
  2. 2.W = 200 J
Result
The work is 200 J.
Move a crate
F
250 N
d
12 m
  1. 1.W = 250 * 12
  2. 2.W = 3000 J
Result
The work is 3,000 J.
Mistakes to avoid
Small input or unit errors can change the answer a lot.
  • Mixing metric and imperial units before solving the work formula.
  • Forgetting squared units such as m^2, m/s^2, or velocity squared.
  • Dropping negative signs when direction matters.
  • Rounding measured values too early in the calculation.
Open the Work and Power Calculator
Open the calculator for the answer without rewriting the formula.

Enter your values in the related calculator, then compare the output with the hand method above.

Open Work and Power Calculator
FAQs
Short answers for common formula questions.
Can I calculate Work by hand?

Yes. Write the units next to each value, convert rates or measurements first, and round only the final answer.

Why does my Work result differ from another calculator?

Most differences come from rounding, unit conversions, rate timing, or a slightly different version of the formula.

When is the Work and Power Calculator better than hand math?

Open the Work and Power Calculator to check several scenarios or skip the hand arithmetic.