Calculation history
Recent calculations appear in this browser.
Formula used
Potential energy depends on mass, gravity, and vertical height. The standard relation is PE = mgh. Height uses a chosen reference level for every calculation.
| Symbol | Meaning | SI unit |
|---|---|---|
| PE | Gravitational potential energy | joule |
| m | Object mass | kilogram |
| g | Gravitational acceleration | m/s² |
| h | Vertical height | metre |
How to use
Select the quantity you need from calculation mode. Enter known values and choose matching measurement units. Review steps, conversions, charts, comparisons, and export options afterward.
- Choose energy, change, mass, height, or gravity.
- Select a planet or enter custom gravity.
- Provide every visible input using suitable units.
- Choose precision and the preferred energy output.
- Press Calculate and inspect the detailed results.
Worked example
A ten-kilogram object rises five metres on Earth. Using 9.80665 m/s² gives 490.3325 joules. The object stores energy relative to its starting level.
| Mass | Height | Gravity | Potential energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kg | 5 m | 9.80665 m/s² | 490.3325 J |
| 25 kg | 12 m | 3.72076 m/s² | 1,116.228 J |
| 50 kg | 2 m | 1.62 m/s² | 162 J |
Potential and kinetic energy
Potential energy describes stored energy from vertical position. Kinetic energy describes energy associated with an object's motion. Falling ideally converts stored energy into kinetic energy completely.
Reference height and limitations
Reference height defines where gravitational potential energy equals zero. Only energy differences usually affect practical physical predictions. Large altitude changes require a variable-gravity model for accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
What is gravitational potential energy?
It is stored energy caused by vertical position. Mass and local gravity directly affect its magnitude. Higher objects usually contain more gravitational potential energy.
Why can potential energy be negative?
The reference level determines the energy's zero point. Positions below that reference produce negative calculated values. Energy differences remain physically meaningful despite negative results.
Which gravity value should I use?
Use the preset matching your selected celestial body. Earth calculations commonly use 9.80665 metres per second squared. Laboratory work may require a locally measured gravity value.
Does horizontal distance affect potential energy?
Horizontal distance does not appear in the standard formula. Only vertical displacement changes gravitational potential energy directly. Path length matters when friction or efficiency becomes relevant.
What is the SI energy unit?
The joule is the standard SI energy unit. One joule equals one newton metre of work. This calculator converts joules into several practical units.
How does efficiency change required lifting work?
Real lifting systems lose some supplied energy internally. Lower efficiency therefore requires greater input work overall. The calculator divides useful energy by selected efficiency.
Can this estimate impact speed?
Yes, it provides an ideal theoretical impact speed. The estimate ignores air resistance and mechanical losses. Real impacts may therefore occur at lower speeds.
When is PE = mgh inaccurate?
It becomes less accurate across extremely large height changes. Gravity then varies noticeably with distance from the centre. Use universal gravitation for orbital or astronomical calculations.
Can I compare several objects?
Yes, enter multiple masses or heights for comparison. Batch rows also process several SI calculations together. Tables sort comparable energies from lowest to highest.