Potential Energy Calculator
Work out gravitational potential energy instantly. Enter the mass, height, and gravitational acceleration to see the stored energy in joules, kilojoules, and calories.
Calculate Gravitational Potential Energy
Enter an object’s mass and its height above a reference point below to instantly calculate its gravitational potential energy using the formula PE = mgh.
Object Details
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Your Results
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PE at Different Heights
Example figures for a 10 kg object at Earth’s standard gravity (9.81 m/s²), at a range of heights.
| Height | Potential Energy (J) | Potential Energy (kJ) | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 m | 98.10 J | 0.098 kJ | Dropping a bag of sugar off a table |
| 5 m | 490.50 J | 0.49 kJ | Standing on a two-storey roof |
| 10 m | 981.00 J | 0.98 kJ | Height of a diving platform |
| 50 m | 4,905.00 J | 4.91 kJ | Roughly a 15-storey building |
| 100 m | 9,810.00 J | 9.81 kJ | Height of a large bungee jump |
Potential Energy FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about gravitational potential energy and how it’s calculated.
Gravitational potential energy is calculated as PE = m x g x h, where m is the mass of the object in kilograms, g is the gravitational acceleration in metres per second squared, and h is the height above a reference point in metres. The result is given in joules.
On Earth, objects accelerate toward the ground at approximately 9.81 metres per second squared due to gravity. This value varies slightly by location and altitude, but 9.81 m/s² is the standard figure used for most everyday calculations.
Potential energy is stored energy an object has because of its position, such as height above the ground, while kinetic energy is the energy an object has because it is moving. As an object falls, its potential energy converts into kinetic energy.
Potential energy is measured in joules (J) in the International System of Units. One joule is the energy needed to exert a force of one newton over a distance of one metre. Larger amounts are often expressed in kilojoules (kJ), where 1 kJ equals 1,000 joules.