Enter an object's mass, the gravitational acceleration, and its height to calculate Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) using the formula PE = mgh. You can also solve for any missing variable — find mass, gravity, or height when the other three values are known. Results are shown in Joules with a clear visual breakdown.
Result
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Potential Energy (PE)
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Potential Energy (kJ)
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Potential Energy (cal)
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Formula Used
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Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to a reference point, usually the ground. The higher an object is lifted against gravity, the more potential energy it possesses. This energy is released when the object falls.
The standard formula is PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object (kg), g is the gravitational acceleration (m/s²), and h is the height above the reference point (m). The result is expressed in Joules (J).
For objects near Earth's surface, use g = 9.81 m/s². On the Moon, g ≈ 1.62 m/s²; on Mars, g ≈ 3.72 m/s²; on Jupiter, g ≈ 24.79 m/s². You can enter any custom value in the calculator.
An average apple has a mass of about 0.1 kg. If it sits 3 metres above the ground on Earth (g = 9.81 m/s²), its GPE = 0.1 × 9.81 × 3 = 2.943 Joules. Enter those values in the calculator to confirm.
Yes. Use the 'Solve For' dropdown to choose which variable you want to find. Then enter the three known values and the calculator will rearrange PE = mgh to solve for your chosen unknown.
No. Potential energy is stored energy due to position, while kinetic energy is energy due to motion. However, they are interconvertible — when an object falls, its gravitational potential energy converts into kinetic energy (ignoring air resistance).
The SI unit is the Joule (J). One Joule equals 1 kg·m²/s². For larger values, kilojoules (kJ) or megajoules (MJ) are commonly used. The calculator also displays results in kilocalories (cal) for convenience.
Height is measured from any chosen reference point — typically the ground or the lowest point in a problem. Gravitational potential energy is always relative; only changes in height (and thus changes in PE) have physical significance.