Physics & Engineering
Physics and engineering calculators for mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, circuits, and more with detailed explanations.
Our physics calculators help students and engineers solve complex problems in mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. Each tool provides step-by-step solutions and visual representations. You might also find our Apply calculus to physics, Understand gas laws, Analyze experimental data, Study light absorption, Find variable relationships, Calculate physics course grades, Estimate measurement uncertainty and Link thermodynamics concepts helpful for related calculations.
Physics & Engineering Guide
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Last updated: February 16, 2026
What you can do in Physics & Engineering
- •Calculate force, work, and power with incline plane analysis and friction coefficients
- •Analyze projectile motion with trajectory visualization, range, max height, and flight time
- •Solve circuit problems using Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's rules, and series/parallel combinations
- •Compute thermodynamic properties: heat transfer, thermal expansion, and ideal gas behavior
- •Model wave phenomena: frequency, wavelength, interference, and Doppler effects
- •Analyze optical systems with lens equations, magnification, and ray diagrams
Accuracy, assumptions, and sources
- •All calculators use SI units by default (meters, kilograms, seconds, kelvin). Unit converters are provided.
- •Physical constants use NIST recommended values (g=9.80665 m/s², c=299,792,458 m/s, etc.).
- •Ideal conditions are assumed unless stated: no air resistance, frictionless surfaces, ideal gases.
- •Significant figures are preserved in calculations. Results show appropriate precision for inputs.
- •Wave and optics calculators assume linear, small-angle approximations where applicable.
- •Thermal calculations assume constant specific heat unless temperature-dependent tables are provided.
Pick the right calculator fast
- If you need to calculate forces, work, or power→Force, Work & Power Calculator
- If you're analyzing projectile trajectories→Projectile Motion Calculator
- If you're solving electric circuit problems→Ohm's Law Calculator
- If you need lens or mirror calculations→Thin Lens Equation Calculator
- If you're working with heat and temperature→Thermodynamics Calculator
- If you need wave speed, frequency, or wavelength→Waves Calculator
- If you're calculating electric forces or fields→Coulomb's Law Calculator
- If you need kinetic or potential energy→Energy Calculator
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Mixing SI and imperial units in the same calculation—convert all values to consistent units first.
- •Forgetting to use radians for angular calculations. Most physics formulas require radians, not degrees.
- •Ignoring sign conventions for vectors (forces, velocities). Pay attention to positive/negative directions.
- •Applying kinematic equations when acceleration isn't constant. Use calculus or numerical methods instead.
- •Using thin lens approximations for thick lenses or systems with significant aberrations.
- •Confusing voltage drops in series vs. current splits in parallel circuits.
- •Neglecting to account for friction in real-world mechanical problems.
- •Assuming ideal gas behavior at high pressures or low temperatures where it breaks down.
Editorial policy
- ✓Calculators provide educational estimates, not licensed engineering analysis or professional design.
- ✓Formulas match standard physics textbooks (Halliday, Serway, Young & Freedman). Sources cited where applicable.
- ✓We don't store your data. All calculations run client-side in your browser.
- ✓Physical constants are referenced from NIST. We update when official values change.
- ✓Found an error? Email us at hello@everydaybudd.com and we'll fix it promptly.
- ✓Tools are updated when physics education standards or calculation methods improve.
Top Picks
All Physics & Engineering Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these physics calculators suitable for engineering applications?
Our calculators use standard physics formulas appropriate for coursework and preliminary estimates. For professional engineering design, always verify results against industry standards and codes. These tools are educational, not replacements for licensed engineering analysis.
How do I handle significant figures in physics calculations?
Our calculators maintain full precision internally, then round outputs appropriately. For lab reports, your answer should have the same number of significant figures as your least precise input. We show enough digits to avoid introducing rounding errors.
Why do my results differ slightly from my textbook examples?
Differences usually come from: rounding at intermediate steps (textbooks often round early), different values for constants (we use NIST recommended values), or unit conversions. Our step-by-step solutions help identify where differences arise.
Can I use these for AP Physics or university exams?
Yes, our calculators use the same formulas taught in AP Physics 1/2/C and introductory university courses. They're great for checking homework and understanding concepts. During exams, you'll typically need to show work by hand.
How do thermodynamics calculators handle ideal vs. real gases?
Our basic calculators assume ideal gas behavior (PV=nRT). Real gases deviate at high pressures and low temperatures. For most educational purposes, ideal gas approximations work well. We note limitations in each calculator's documentation.
What units do the physics calculators use?
We default to SI units (meters, kilograms, seconds, kelvin) but provide unit converters for imperial/US customary units. Consistent units are critical—mixing feet and meters in one calculation will give wrong results.