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Work & Power Calculator

Computes the mechanical work done by a constant force over a displacement, allowing for the angle between force and motion, and the average power when the duration is supplied.

When to use

You know a constant force, the distance it acts over (optionally the angle and the time taken) and need the work in joules or the average power in watts, kilowatts or horsepower.

Do not use when: The force varies with position (for springs use hookes-law), you need electrical power from volts and amps (use electric-power), or you need energy of motion (use kinetic-energy).

Formula

work_j = force_n × distance_m × cos(angle_degrees); power_w = work_j / time_s; power_hp = power_w / 745.69987

Inputs

Parameter	Type	Unit	Required	Description
`force_n`	number	N	yes	Magnitude of the constant force in newtons (weight = mass × 9.80665). Range: ≥ 0
`distance_m`	number	m	yes	Displacement of the point of application in metres. Range: ≥ 0
`angle_degrees`	number	°	default 0	0° when the force acts along the motion; 90° gives zero work; more than 90° gives negative work (e.g. friction). Range: ≥ 0, ≤ 180
`time_s`	number	s	no	Optional duration over which the work is done; enables the power outputs. Range: > 0

Outputs

Output	Type	Unit	Description
`work_j`	number	J	W = F × d × cos θ.
`work_kj`	number	kJ	Work in kilojoules.
`work_kwh`	number	kWh	Work in kilowatt-hours.
`power_w`	number	W	P = W / t (only when time_s is given).
`power_kw`	number	kW	Power in kilowatts (only when time_s is given).
`power_hp`	number	hp	Power in mechanical horsepower, 1 hp = 745.69987 W (only when time_s is given).

Example

50 N over 10 m in 4 s: {"force_n":50,"distance_m":10,"time_s":4} → {"work_j":500,"work_kj":0.5,"power_w":125,"power_kw":0.125,"power_hp":0.1676}

100 N at 60° over 20 m: {"force_n":100,"distance_m":20,"angle_degrees":60} → {"work_j":1000,"work_kj":1}

GET https://tttkmbb.com/api/v1/calculate/work-power?force_n=50&distance_m=10&time_s=4

Machine access

API: GET https://tttkmbb.com/api/v1/calculate/work-power (query parameters) or POST with a JSON body {"inputs": {...}}
Schema: https://tttkmbb.com/api/v1/calculators/work-power · Markdown: https://tttkmbb.com/physics/work-power.md · JSON definition: https://tttkmbb.com/physics/work-power.json
MCP: server https://tttkmbb.com/mcp, tool run_calculator with calculator_id="work-power"
OpenAPI operationId: calculate_work_and_power
Freshness: static. Authentication: none. Rate limit: fair use (see rate limits).

Sources

Wikipedia – Work (physics) (reference)
Wikipedia – Power (physics) (reference)
NIST Special Publication 811 – Guide for the Use of the SI, Appendix B (conversion factors) (standard)

FAQ

Why is the work zero at 90°?

Only the force component along the displacement does work; a force perpendicular to the motion (like the normal force on a sliding block) transfers no energy.

Which horsepower is used?

Mechanical (imperial) horsepower, 745.69987 W. Metric horsepower (PS) is 735.49875 W, about 1.4 % smaller.

Related calculators

Kinetic Energy Calculator — Net work equals the change in kinetic energy.
Electric Power Calculator — Electrical power from voltage and current.
Force Calculator — Get the force from mass and acceleration.