Calculate power
P = W / tWork, energy and power
Calculate average power, work, or elapsed time from the relation between transferred energy and time.
Formula
P = W / t Average power is the work done, or energy transferred, per unit of time.
| Symbol | Quantity | SI | Supported units |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | average powerRate at which work is done or energy is transferred. | W | W, kW |
| W | work or energyTotal work done or energy transferred during the interval. | J | J, kJ |
| t | elapsed timeDuration of the work or energy transfer. | s | s, min, h |
Calculate power
P = W / tCalculate work
W = P × tCalculate time
t = W / PA machine performs 3600 J of work in 30 seconds. Calculate its average power.
Result: 120 W
A 2.4 kW machine operates for 5 minutes. Calculate the transferred energy.
Result: 720 kJ
OpenStax · Reviewed 28 August 2026
Definition of power as work divided by elapsed time.
National Institute of Standards and Technology · Reviewed 28 August 2026
Authoritative SI relationship between the watt, joule, and second.