Read the result
Only the force component in the direction of movement contributes to work. Sideways force contributes nothing to the dot product.
Engineering applications
Work Done Vector Calculator
Find work done from force and displacement using the dot product.
Formula
W = F . s
Result
Worked substitution
Only the component of force in the direction of movement contributes to work.
Where it helps
Use it for mechanics problems where force and displacement are given as vectors rather than as a magnitude and angle.
Common slip
A negative answer is not a calculation failure. It means the force opposes the displacement.
Try it
Set force perpendicular to displacement. The work done should become 0.