Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate gravitational potential energy using PE = m·g·h. Enter mass and height to compute stored energy in joules (J) and kilojoules (kJ) with interactive charts and detailed breakdowns.
About This Calculator
What Is Gravitational Potential Energy?
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its vertical position in a gravitational field. When you lift an object against gravity, you do work on it, and that work gets stored as potential energy. The higher you lift it, the more energy is stored. This energy can later be released — for example, when an object falls, the stored potential energy converts into kinetic energy.
The fundamental formula is PE = m · g · h, where m is the mass in kilograms, g is the gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s² on Earth), and h is the height in metres above the reference level. Because the relationship is linear in both mass and height, doubling either doubles the stored energy. This calculator is ideal for students studying physics, engineers analyzing mechanical systems, and anyone curious about the energy of elevated objects.
Real-World Applications
Civil Engineering: Hydroelectric dams rely on gravitational potential energy — water stored at a height flows downward, converting PE to kinetic energy that spins turbines. The higher the reservoir, the more energy each litre of water can generate.
Pendulum Physics: A pendulum swings by repeatedly converting gravitational potential energy (at the highest point) into kinetic energy (at the lowest point). The conservation of energy between these two forms determines the pendulum's maximum speed.
Roller Coasters: Roller coaster cars are pulled to the top of the first hill, gaining maximum gravitational potential energy. As they descend, PE converts to kinetic energy, giving the cars their thrilling speed. Each subsequent hill is lower because energy is lost to friction.
Regional Units
This calculator uses SI units universally (kg, m, J, kJ). No currency or region-specific conversions are needed for physics calculations — the same formula works worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gravitational potential energy?
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its vertical position or height above a reference level. It is the energy that an object possesses because of the gravitational pull of the Earth. The higher an object is lifted, the more gravitational potential energy it stores.
How do I calculate gravitational potential energy?
Use the formula PE = m · g · h. Multiply the mass (m) in kilograms by the gravitational acceleration (g = 9.80665 m/s²) and the height (h) in metres. For example, a 10 kg object at 5 m height has PE = 10 × 9.80665 × 5 = 490.33 J.
What is the formula for potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy formula is PE = m·g·h, where m is mass in kg, g is the gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s² on Earth), and h is the height in metres. The result is in joules (J). For kilojoules, divide by 1000.
What units does this calculator use?
This calculator uses SI units: mass in kilograms (kg), height in metres (m), gravitational acceleration in m/s², and energy results in joules (J) and kilojoules (kJ). No currency or region-specific units are needed for physics calculations.
Can I use this calculator for other planets?
This calculator uses Earth's gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²). For other celestial bodies like the Moon (1.62 m/s²) or Mars (3.71 m/s²), the gravitational acceleration differs and the result would not be accurate. Use our acceleration due to gravity calculator to find the correct g value.
How is potential energy different from kinetic energy?
Potential energy is stored energy based on an object's position or height, while kinetic energy is the energy of motion. When an object falls, its potential energy converts to kinetic energy. At the top of the fall, all energy is potential; just before impact, all energy has become kinetic (ignoring air resistance).
What is the difference between gravitational and elastic potential energy?
Gravitational potential energy depends on an object's mass and height above a reference level (PE = m·g·h). Elastic potential energy is stored in deformed springs and elastic materials (EPE = ½·k·x²). Gravitational PE relates to position in a gravity field, while elastic PE relates to deformation from an equilibrium position.
What happens when I double the height or mass?
Gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to both mass and height. Doubling the mass doubles the potential energy. Doubling the height also doubles the potential energy. This linear relationship makes the formula PE = m·g·h straightforward to scale for different values.