Skip to main content
Calcimator

Potential Energy Calculator

Calculate gravitational potential energy from mass and height. Use the formula PE = mgh.

Inputs

lb
ft

Results

Potential Energy

981 J

Potential Energy0.234 kcal
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the object mass (kg) and height above the reference point (m).
  2. Set gravitational acceleration -- 9.81 m/s2 for Earth, 1.62 m/s2 for Moon.
  3. Review potential energy in joules using PE = mgh.
  4. Note: potential energy is relative to the chosen reference height -- choose a consistent datum.

How the result changes with Mass

MassPotential Energy
100,0009,810,000 J
350,00034,335,000 J
650,00063,765,000 J
900,00088,290,000 J

What each input means

Mass
Mass of the object in kilograms.
Height
Height above reference point in meters.
Gravitational Acceleration
Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² on Earth).

How this is calculated

Formula

PE = mgh

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    Mass = 10, Height = 10, Gravitational Acceleration = 9.81 = 3 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Potential Energy
    Potential Energy
    981 = 981
  3. Calculate Potential Energy
    Potential Energy
    0.234 = 0.234

Engine last updated .

Related Calculators

The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.

Science & Engineering

Kinetic Energy Calculator

Calculate kinetic energy from mass and velocity. Use the formula KE = ½mv².

Science & Engineering

Force Calculator (F=ma)

Calculate force, mass, or acceleration using Newton's Second Law (F = ma). Includes unit conversions to pounds-force and dynes.

Science & Engineering

Physics Essentials Calculator

Complete classical mechanics calculator — force, velocity, acceleration, kinetic/potential energy, momentum, power, and projectile motion calculations.

Physics

Pendulum Calculator

Calculate the period and frequency of a simple pendulum from its length and local gravitational acceleration using T = 2π√(L/g).

Math & Statistics

Scientific Calculator

Scientific calculator with multiple modes and expression input

More in Science & Physics.