Work & Power Calculator
Work and power are fundamental concepts in physics that describe energy transfer. Work is done when a force moves an object over a distance (W = Fd), and power is the rate at which that work is performed (P = W/t). This calculator computes both, giving you results in standard SI units as well as practical units like kilojoules and horsepower.
In physics, work has a precise definition: it is the energy transferred when a force moves an object through a displacement. The formula assumes the force is applied in the direction of motion.
- W = F × d — Work (Joules) = Force (Newtons) × Distance (meters)
- P = W / t — Power (Watts) = Work (Joules) / Time (seconds)
For forces applied at an angle θ to the direction of motion, work becomes W = Fd·cos(θ). This calculator assumes the force is parallel to the displacement (θ = 0).
Unit conversions: 1 Joule = 1 N·m. 1 Watt = 1 J/s. 1 horsepower = 745.7 Watts. 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) = 3,600,000 J.
Practical examples: Lifting a 10 kg object 2 meters requires about 196 J of work (against gravity). A 75 kg person climbing stairs at 1 m/s produces about 735 W of power (roughly 1 hp).