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    Work Done Calculator (W = Fs)

    GCSE PhysicsAQAEdexcelOCRFoundation & Higher

    Find work done, force or distance using W = F × s. Enter centimetres, kilometres or kilonewtons and the solver converts for you.

    Quick answer

    Work done = force × distance moved along the line of the force. Use newtons and metres to get joules. For example, a 250 N push over 80 cm (0.80 m) does 250 × 0.80 = 200 J of work. Work done is the energy transferred.

    By Engr. Mehmood Kakar · Updated

    W = F × s
    Find:

    Use the distance moved along the line of action of the force.

    Simulation

    Push it further, do more work

    A steady force pushes a crate along the floor. The work done (energy transferred) builds up as the crate moves.

    200 N
    10 m

    Work done = force × distance moved in the direction of the force. 1 joule of work is done when a force of 1 newton moves something 1 metre.

    Put these numbers in the calculator above

    How to calculate work done

    Work is done when a force moves an object. The work done equals the energy transferred:

    work done = force × distance (along the line of action of the force)

    • W is work done in joules (J)
    • F is force in newtons (N)
    • s is distance in metres (m)

    Pushing a box with a force of 250 N across 80 cm (0.80 m) does 250 × 0.80 = 200 J of work. One joule is the work done when a force of one newton moves an object one metre, so 1 J = 1 N m.

    The distance must be in the direction of the force. Carrying a bag along a flat corridor does no work against gravity, because the upward force and the sideways movement are at right angles.

    When work is done against friction, the energy is transferred to the thermal store, so the surfaces heat up. That is why your hands warm when you rub them together.

    Common mistakes that cost marks

    1. Leaving distance in centimetres. 80 cm is 0.80 m. Divide by 100.
    2. Not converting kN or kJ. 1.2 kJ is 1200 J; 2 kN is 2000 N.
    3. Using a distance that isn’t along the force. Only movement in the direction of the force counts.
    4. Mixing up the two Ws. In W = Fs, W is work done in joules. In W = mg, W is weight in newtons.

    Practice questions

    Try each one on paper first, then reveal the worked answer.

    Q1A student pushes a box with a force of 250 N for 80 cm. Calculate the work done.[3 marks]
    1. W = F × s
    2. Convert: s = 80 ÷ 100 = 0.80 m
    3. W = 250 × 0.80
    4. W = 200 J
    Q21.2 kJ of work is done moving a trolley 4.0 m. Calculate the force applied.[3 marks]
    1. Rearrange: F = W ÷ s
    2. Convert: W = 1.2 × 1000 = 1200 J
    3. F = 1200 ÷ 4.0
    4. F = 300 N
    Q3A force of 450 N does 3600 J of work on a car. Calculate how far the car moves.[2 marks]
    1. Rearrange: s = W ÷ F
    2. s = 3600 ÷ 450
    3. s = 8.0 m

    Endless practice

    A new question every time, marked instantly. Work it out on paper, then type your answer.

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    Frequently asked questions

    What is the equation for work done?

    Work done = force × distance moved along the line of action of the force (W = Fs). Work is in joules (J), force in newtons (N) and distance in metres (m).

    Is work done the same as energy transferred?

    Yes. When a force does work on an object, the work done equals the energy transferred.

    What is 1 joule?

    One joule is the work done when a force of one newton moves an object one metre in the direction of the force, so 1 J = 1 N m.

    What happens when work is done against friction?

    Energy is transferred to the thermal store, so the object and its surroundings get warmer.