Enter an object's mass, height, and gravitational acceleration to calculate its gravitational potential energy (PE = mgh). You can also solve for any missing variable — enter any three values and the Potential Energy Calculator finds the fourth. Results are shown in Joules with a clear breakdown of your inputs. Also try the Power-to-Weight Ratio Calculator.
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Formula Used
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Potential Energy
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Potential Energy (kJ)
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Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy stored in an object due to its position above a reference point, such as the ground. It represents the work done against gravity to lift the object to that height. The higher and heavier the object, the more potential energy it possesses. See also our E = mc² Calculator.
The formula is PE = m × g × h, where m is the mass of the object in kilograms, g is the gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² on Earth), and h is the height in meters above the reference point. The result is expressed in Joules (J).
Multiply the object's mass (kg) by gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² on Earth) and by its height (m) above the reference point. For example, a 3 kg object at 5 m height has PE = 3 × 9.81 × 5 = 147.15 Joules.
On Earth's surface, use 9.81 m/s². On the Moon, the value is approximately 1.62 m/s². On Mars it is about 3.72 m/s². You can enter any custom value in the calculator if you're working with a different planetary body or a specific local gravity. You might also find our calculate TNT Equivalent Mass, TNT Equivalence Factor & Energy Released — TNT Equivalent useful.
An average apple weighs about 0.1 kg. At a height of 3 m on a tree, its gravitational potential energy is PE = 0.1 × 9.81 × 3 ≈ 2.94 Joules. This is the energy released when the apple falls to the ground.
No — potential energy is stored energy due to an object's position, while kinetic energy is the energy of motion. However, they are related: as an object falls, its potential energy converts into kinetic energy. At the point of impact, all the potential energy has been transformed into kinetic energy (ignoring air resistance).
Potential energy is measured in Joules (J) in the SI system. Other common units include kilojoules (kJ), megajoules (MJ), British Thermal Units (BTU), and calories (cal). 1 kJ equals 1,000 J, and 1 BTU is approximately 1,055.06 J.
Yes. The PE = mgh formula can be rearranged to solve for any of the four variables. Use the 'Solve For' dropdown in the calculator to choose which variable you want to find, then enter the other three known values.