Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator – Mass × Height
Calculate near-Earth gravitational potential energy from mass in kilograms, height in metres and standard gravity 9.80665 m/s².
Gravitational potential energy describes the energy change associated with an object's height relative to a chosen reference. This calculator uses SI units and standard gravitational acceleration near Earth. Its output is relative to your selected zero-height reference.
How it works
PE = m × g × h, where mass m is in kilograms, height h in metres, and g = 9.80665 m/s². The result is joules (J).
Example
A 2 kg object at a height of 3 m has PE = 2 × 9.80665 × 3 = 58.8399 J, or approximately 58.84 J.
How to use
- Enter the object's mass in kilograms.
- Enter its height in metres compared with your selected reference point.
- Calculate the energy in joules and interpret a negative height as below the chosen reference.
Key features
- Mass and relative-height inputs
- Fixed, clearly identified reference gravity
- Output in joules with explicit SI units
Common uses
- Check introductory mechanics problems
- Compare two lifting heights
- Estimate gravitational energy for a classroom experiment
Limitations to know
The chosen zero reference matters. Local gravitational acceleration varies slightly, and this near-Earth constant is not suitable for arbitrary planets or extreme altitude conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Why can potential energy be negative?
Height is measured relative to a chosen reference, so a position below zero height gives negative relative energy.
Is g always exactly 9.80665?
No. It is a standard reference value, not the precise acceleration at every location.
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