Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate gravitational potential energy from mass, height and gravity using PE equals mass times gravity times height, in joules.
Last reviewed by the Radiatus Cloud team
Calculate gravitational potential energy from mass and height.
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Calculate gravitational potential energy
Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object has because of its position in a gravitational field, specifically its height above a reference point. It is calculated as mass times gravitational acceleration times height, giving joules when mass is in kilograms, gravity in metres per second squared and height in metres. A five-kilogram object raised ten metres on Earth has a potential energy of about four hundred ninety joules. The gravity value defaults to Earth's but can be changed for other planets.
As the object falls, this stored energy converts into kinetic energy, illustrating the conservation of energy.
Stored energy of height
Potential energy explains why raised objects can do work when released, from a hammer driving a nail to water turning a turbine in a hydroelectric dam. It is always measured relative to a chosen reference height, so only differences in potential energy are physically meaningful. The concept pairs with kinetic energy to describe how energy transforms in falling, swinging and orbiting systems.
Use a consistent gravity value for the location, such as about 9.81 metres per second squared on Earth or 1.62 on the Moon. All calculation happens locally in your browser.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the potential energy formula?
Gravitational potential energy equals mass times gravitational acceleration times height, giving joules with SI units.
What gravity value should I use?
About 9.81 metres per second squared for Earth. Change it for other bodies, such as 1.62 for the Moon or 3.71 for Mars.
Is potential energy absolute?
No. It is measured relative to a reference height, so only differences in potential energy between positions are physically meaningful.
What happens to potential energy when an object falls?
It converts into kinetic energy, so at the bottom of a fall the lost potential energy equals the gained kinetic energy, ignoring air resistance.
What units give joules?
Kilograms for mass, metres per second squared for gravity and metres for height produce potential energy in joules.
Privacy & Security
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How to Use
Enter mass, height and gravitational acceleration.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Results are for educational and utility purposes.