Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Work, Power & Energy Calculator.
What is the formula for work?
Work done by a constant force is W = F × d × cos(θ), where F is the force, d is the displacement, and θ is the angle between the force and the direction of motion.
Why does the angle matter in the work formula?
Only the component of the force in the direction of motion does work. When the force is fully aligned with motion (θ=0°), cos(θ)=1 and all the force contributes; at 90°, cos(θ)=0 and no work is done.
What is the formula for kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy is KE = ½mv², where m is mass in kilograms and v is velocity in meters per second.
What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?
Gravitational potential energy is PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² on Earth), and h is height above a reference point.
What is the formula for power?
Power is P = W/t, the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, measured in watts (joules per second).
Can I use a different value of gravity?
Yes, the potential energy calculator defaults to Earth's gravity (9.81 m/s²) but you can enter any value, such as the Moon's 1.62 m/s², to calculate potential energy elsewhere.
What units does this calculator use?
The calculator uses SI units throughout: newtons for force, meters for distance and height, kilograms for mass, joules for energy and work, and watts for power.
Can work be negative?
Yes. When the angle between force and displacement is greater than 90°, cos(θ) is negative, meaning the force opposes the motion and does negative work.
How are work, energy, and power related?
Work transfers energy to or from an object. Power measures how quickly that energy transfer or work happens, calculated as work divided by time.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, the Work, Power & Energy Calculator is completely free with no sign-up, and all calculations run instantly in your browser.