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Potential Energy Calculator

Gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface: PE = mgh.

By CalcHub Editorial · Last reviewed

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

Worked example result
Potential energy490.3325 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).

Diagram: how the Potential Energy Calculator works — you enter Mass, Height above reference level; it applies the formula PE = m × g × h, with g = 9.80665 m/s²; and the worked example gives Potential energy: 490.3325 J.
How the Potential Energy Calculator works — the inputs, the formula, and a worked example (Potential energy: 490.3325 J).

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

PE = m × g × h, with g = 9.80665 m/s²

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).

Worked example for the Potential Energy Calculator: with Mass 10, Height above reference level 5, the result is Potential energy: 490.3325 J; Weight (m × g): 98.0665 N.
The worked example, with the example values entered and the results they give.

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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