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Work done calculator
Energy and power
Work done is the force multiplied by the distance moved in the direction of the force. It equals the energy transferred.
W = F s
This free calculator is for GCSE and A-level physics. Choose the quantity you want to find, enter the other values with their units, and it shows the working in the layout used in exams, with the answer to the number of significant figures you choose. The values shown are an example. Change them to your own.
Quantity to find
Working
- Write the equationW = F s
- Substitute the valuesW = 80 × 12
- CalculateW = 960 J
- Give the answer to 3 significant figuresW = 960 J
Worked example
Find W, the work done. Given: force F = 80.0 N; distance moved in the direction of the force s = 12.0 m.
- Write the equationW = F s
- Substitute the valuesW = 80 × 12
- CalculateW = 960 J
- Give the answer to 3 significant figuresW = 960 J
Symbols and units
| Symbol | Quantity | SI unit |
|---|---|---|
| W | Work done | J |
| F | Force | N |
| s | Distance moved in the direction of the force | m |
Work done: rearranged
- To find work done: W = F s
- To find force: F = W / s
- To find distance moved in the direction of the force: s = W / F
Exam tip
The distance must be measured along the line of the force. If the force is at an angle, use the angled version.
Common questions
What is the formula for work done?
The equation is W = F s, where W is the work done (J); F is the force (N); s is the distance moved in the direction of the force (m).
What units should I use for work done?
In SI units: work done in J, force in N, distance moved in the direction of the force in m. The calculator also accepts common alternatives such as kilometres, grams or minutes, and converts them for you.
How do I rearrange W = F s?
Rearranging gives these forms: to find work done: W = F s. to find force: F = W / s. to find distance moved in the direction of the force: s = W / F.
Practise work done questions
Press the button for a question with random numbers. Work it out on paper first, then type your answer.
Related
More energy and power equations: Work done by an angled force, Elastic potential energy, Power from force and speed, Kinetic energy, Gravitational potential energy, Power, Energy transferred, Efficiency. See the full list on the physics equation calculator page.