What is gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position in a gravitational field. It equals mass times gravitational acceleration times height: PE = mgh.

What units does potential energy use?

Potential energy is measured in joules (J) when mass is in kilograms (kg), gravity in m/s², and height in metres (m).

Why does the default gravity value show 9.81?

9.81 m/s² is the standard gravitational acceleration at Earth's surface. You can change it for other celestial bodies (e.g., 1.62 m/s² for the Moon, 3.72 m/s² for Mars).

Can potential energy be negative?

Yes, if the height is negative (below the reference point). The reference level is arbitrary — what matters physically is the change in potential energy.

How are kinetic and potential energy related?

In a conservative system, the total mechanical energy (KE + PE) is conserved. As an object falls, PE converts to KE. At the highest point, PE is maximum and KE is zero.

SCIScience

Potential Energy

Calculate gravitational potential energy using PE = mgh. Enter mass, height, and gravity to get energy in joules instantly.

Mass

Height

Gravity(optional)

m/s²

Try an example

Enter values above to see results

How It Works

Formula

PE = m \cdot g \cdot h

Where

$PE$: Gravitational potential energy(J)
$m$: Mass(kg)
$g$: Gravitational acceleration(m/s²)
$h$: Height above the reference point(m)

Enter the mass in kilograms, the height in metres, and optionally adjust the gravitational acceleration (defaults to Earth's 9.81 m/s²). The calculator computes PE = mgh and returns the result in joules.

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