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Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object has because of its height in a gravitational field, and it equals the mass times the gravitational acceleration times the height, written PE equals m g h. This calculator computes potential energy in joules from a mass in kilograms, a gravitational acceleration in meters per second squared, and a height in meters. It defaults gravity to the standard Earth value of 9.80665 but you can change it to model the Moon or another planet, and you can also solve for the mass, gravity or height when the energy is known. It is a staple of mechanics problems involving lifting, dams, roller coasters and pendulums. Values compute the instant you press calculate, entirely within your browser and with complete privacy.

How to use Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator

  1. Enter mass, gravity, and height, leaving one field blank if solving for it.
  2. Adjust gravity if you are not on Earth.
  3. Read the gravitational potential energy in joules.

Frequently asked questions

What formula does this use?

It uses gravitational potential energy equals mass times gravity times height, written PE equals m g h.

What value of gravity does it use?

It uses standard Earth gravity of about 9.81 meters per second squared unless you change it for another planet or setting.

What units are expected?

Mass is in kilograms, height in meters, and gravity in meters per second squared, giving energy in joules.

What is Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator?

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object has because of its height in a gravitational field, and it equals the mass times the gravitational acceleration times the height, written PE equals m g h. This calculator computes potential energy in joules from a mass in kilograms, a gravitational acceleration in meters per second squared, and a height in meters.

Is Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator free to use?

Yes. Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator is completely free, with no sign-up and no usage limits.

Does Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator work in a web browser?

Yes. Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator runs in any modern web browser. There is nothing to download or install.

Is my data private with Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator?

Yes. Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator runs entirely on your device in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded to a server.