Potential Energy Calculator
Gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface: PE = mgh.
Quick answer
- Formula: PE = m × g × h, with g = 9.80665 m/s²
- Worked example — Potential energy: 490.3325 J (full example below).
Potential Energy Calculator
| Potential energy | 490.3325 J |
| Weight (m × g) | 98.0665 N |
Raising a 10 kg mass by 5 m stores 490.33 J — the same energy it gains back as kinetic energy if dropped (ignoring air resistance).
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored by raising an object against gravity. Near Earth's surface it is simply mass × gravity × height.
This calculator uses standard gravity g = 9.80665 m/s² and measures height relative to whatever reference level you choose — only height differences matter. The object's weight (mg) is shown as a bonus.
The formula
Worked example
Raising a 10 kg mass by 5 m stores 490.33 J — the same energy it gains back as kinetic energy if dropped (ignoring air resistance).
The example is pre-loaded in the result panel — press Calculate with your own numbers to replace it.
Frequently asked questions
Does potential energy depend on the path taken?
No. Gravity is a conservative force, so PE depends only on the vertical height difference, not on whether the object was lifted straight up or carried up stairs.
What g value is used?
Standard gravity, 9.80665 m/s² exactly. Local gravity varies slightly (about 9.78–9.83 m/s²) with latitude and altitude.
Category: Science calculators
Sources & methodology
This calculator applies the formula shown on this page exactly as written, using the standard definitions for its inputs. Results are computed from the values you enter — no data is stored — and are rounded only for display.
Content last reviewed by CalcHub Editorial.
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