Gravitational PE
Energy stored in an object as the result of its vertical position or height ($h$). The higher the object, the more potential energy it has.
- m: Mass (kg)
- g: Gravity (~9.81 m/s²)
- h: Height (m)
Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate gravitational potential energy, mass, height, or gravitational acceleration.
Potential Energy
Calculate stored energy from Gravity (Height) or Elasticity (Springs).
Physics Formula
PE = m · g · h
Understanding Potential Energy
Potential Energy is "stored" energy. It is the energy held by an object because of its position relative to other objects, stresses within itself, or its electric charge.
Elastic PE
Energy stored as a result of applying a force to deform an elastic object, like a spring. The energy is stored until the force is removed.
- k: Spring Constant (N/m)
- x: Displacement (m)
potential energy formulas and interpretation
Gravitational potential energy describes energy associated with height relative to a chosen reference.
The calculator preserves direct solutions and supported unit conversions.
How to use the potential energy calculator
- Choose a model: Select the relationship matching the problem.
- Choose the unknown: Select the quantity to calculate.
- Enter values: Enter all known values with matching units and signs.
- Calculate: Review the result, formula, units, and direction.
Formula and variables
Near a surface, gravitational potential energy equals mass times local gravity times height.
PE = mgh- PE — Potential energy
- Energy of position (J)
- m — Mass
- Object mass (kg)
- g — Gravity
- Local gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
- h — Height
- Height above reference (m)
Raised mass example
A 2 kg object is 5 m above the reference level.
- Mass
- 2 kg
- Gravity
- 9.80665 m/s²
- Height
- 5 m
- PE = 2 × 9.80665 × 5
- PE = 98.0665 J
Result: Potential energy is about 98.07 J.
The value is measured relative to the selected zero-height level.
Understanding your results
Interpreting the result
Only potential-energy differences are independent of the chosen height reference.
Assumptions
- The selected equation represents the physical system.
- Inputs use a consistent reference direction.
- Values are converted through coherent SI units.
Limitations
- Vector components must be resolved along a common axis.
- External forces or energy losses are not added automatically.
- Results depend on the accuracy of entered measurements.
Common mistakes
- Mixing incompatible units.
- Dropping negative signs that represent direction.
- Using weight where mass is required.
- Entering a zero divisor.
Practical use cases
Physics problems
Check classroom, laboratory, and mechanics calculations.
Practical estimates
Estimate motion, forces, and energy for real systems.
Frequently asked questions
Can a result be negative?
Yes. For directional quantities, the sign indicates direction relative to the chosen positive axis.
Should I use SI units?
The interface can convert supported units, while the formulas are evaluated through coherent SI units.
Sources and review
- SI Brochure, 9th edition — BIPM. Accessed 2026-07-11.
- Special Publication 811 — NIST. Accessed 2026-07-11.
Reviewed 2026-07-11.
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