The joule (ˈdʒuːl or sometimes ˈdʒaʊl), symbol J, is a derived unit of energy, work, or amount of heat in the International System of Units. It is equal to the energy expended (or work done) in applying a force of one newton through a distance of one meter (1 newton meter or N·m), or in passing an electric current of one ampere through a resistance of one ohm for one second. It is named after the English physicist James Prescott Joule (1818–1889).

In terms firstly of base SI units and then in terms of other SI units:
:$\backslash rm\; J\; =\; \{\}\backslash rm\; \backslash frac\{kg\; \backslash cdot\; m^2\}\{s^2\}\; =\; N\; \backslash cdot\; m\; =\; \backslash rm\; Pa\; \backslash cdot\; m^3=\{\}\backslash rm\; W\; \backslash cdot\; s$

where N is the newton, m is the meter, kg is the kilogram, s is the second, Pa is the pascal, and W is the watt.

One joule can also be defined as:
The work required to move an electric charge of one coulomb through an electrical potential difference of one volt, or one '"coulomb volt" (C·V). This relationship can be used to define the volt.
The work required to produce one watt of power for one second, or one "watt second" (W·s) (compare kilowatt hour). This relationship can be used to define the watt.