openstax.org › books › physics9.1 Work, Power, and the Work–Energy Theorem - OpenStax The joule (J) is the metric unit of measurement for both work and energy. The measurement of work and energy with the same unit reinforces the idea that work and energy are related and can be converted into one another. 1.0 J = 1.0 N∙m, the units of force multiplied by distance. 1.0 N = 1.0 kg∙m/s 2, so 1.0 J = 1.0 kg∙m 2 /s 2.