| Cover | Feb. 23, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 23, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | UPWORK INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-38678 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-4337682 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2625 Augustine Drive, Suite 601 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Santa Clara, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95054 |
| City Area Code | 650 |
| Local Phone Number | 316-7500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | UPWK |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001627475 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
