Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate gravitational potential energy using PE = mgh. Enter mass, height, and gravity to get energy in joules instantly.
Examples
Book on a shelf (2 kg at 1.5 m)
PE = 2 × 9.81 × 1.5 = 29.43 J
- Mass
- 2 kg
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Gravity
- 9.81 m/s²
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How It Works
Formula
Variables, symbols and units
- Gravitational potential energy(J)
- Mass(kg)
- Gravitational acceleration(m/s²)
- Height above the reference point(m)
Calculation method explained
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.
Gravitational potential energy is the work a uniform gravitational field would do on an object as it moved from the reference height to its current position. For small heights compared to a planet's radius, the field is approximately constant, so PE = m·g·h. The calculator multiplies your three inputs and returns the energy stored relative to the reference point you choose.
Examples
Book on a shelf (2 kg at 1.5 m)2 kg · 1.5 m → 29.43 J
PE = 2 × 9.81 × 1.5 = 29.43 J
- Mass
- 2 kg
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Gravity
- 9.81 m/s²
- Potential Energy
- 29.43 J
Skydiver at altitude (80 kg at 4000 m)80 kg · 4,000 m → 3,139,200 J
PE = 80 × 9.81 × 4000 = 3,139,200 J
- Mass
- 80 kg
- Height
- 4,000 m
- Gravity
- 9.81 m/s²
- Potential Energy
- 3,139,200 J
Ball on the Moon (1 kg at 10 m)1 kg · 10 m → 16.2 J
PE = 1 × 1.62 × 10 = 16.2 J (lunar gravity)
- Mass
- 1 kg
- Height
- 10 m
- Gravity
- 1.62 m/s²
- Potential Energy
- 16.2 J