Work and power calculator
Work done by a force over a distance, the power for a given time, and horsepower.
Enter your values and press Calculate. Your inputs stay in the address, so you can switch language or share the link.
Formula
W = F × d P = W ÷ t
How it works
Work is force times the distance moved in the direction of the force: W = F × d. Power is the rate of doing work: P = W ÷ t. One mechanical horsepower is about 745.7 W.
Worked example
The same calculation with the default values:
- Force 250 N
- Distance moved along the force 12 m
- Time taken 8 s
- W = 250 × 12 = 3,000 J
- P = 3,000 ÷ 8 = 375 W
- 375 W ÷ 745.69987 = 0.502883 hp
Result: Work done: 3,000 J · Power: 375 W · Power (mechanical horsepower): 0.50288328 hp
Assumes the force is constant and acts in a fixed direction relative to the motion - a varying force or a curved path requires integrating force over distance rather than a single multiplication.
Common mistakes
- Using the force applied in any direction rather than the component of force in the direction of motion - work is F × d only when the force acts along the displacement; a force perpendicular to motion does zero work.
- Confusing work (energy transferred, in joules) with power (rate of energy transfer, in watts) - the same amount of work done quickly versus slowly represents very different power.
- Forgetting that a negative work value means energy is being removed from the object (e.g. friction, braking), not an error in the calculation.
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