Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate gravitational potential energy from mass, height and gravitational acceleration.
How to Use the Potential Energy Calculator
Enter mass, gravitational acceleration and height to estimate gravitational potential energy.
Practical Example
A 5 kg object raised 10 m with g = 9.81 m/s² has about 490.5 J of potential energy.
Factors That Affect the Result
The chosen reference height, local gravitational acceleration and measurement accuracy affect the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What formula is used?
PE = mgh.
Can height be negative?
It can relative to a chosen reference level.
What is the SI unit?
Joules.
Gravitational Potential Energy
Near Earth's surface, gravitational potential energy is commonly estimated with PE = mgh. The result depends on mass, gravitational acceleration and height relative to a chosen reference level. For large altitude changes or other celestial bodies, a constant Earth-surface gravity assumption may not be appropriate.