Last updated October 6, 2026 · Report an error
Gravitational potential energy — the stored energy an object has because of its height above the ground — is what converts into kinetic energy as something falls. This calculator finds the gravitational potential energy of an object from its mass and height, with a full step-by-step solution.
How it works
Enter the object's mass and its height above a reference point. The calculator applies the standard gravitational potential energy formula, PE = mgh, using standard Earth gravity.
- Enter mass (kg).
- Enter height (m).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
A 10 kg object at 20 m height
This has a gravitational potential energy of about 1,961.33 joules.
Who should use it
- Solving physics homework or exam problems involving gravitational potential energy.
- Analyzing energy conversion in a falling or elevated object scenario.
Industry applications
- Physics and engineering education
- Mechanical engineering and energy systems analysis
Advantages
- Uses the exact standard gravitational potential energy formula.
- Shows the full calculation for a clear, verifiable result.
Limitations
- Assumes standard Earth gravity — not applicable for other planetary bodies without adjustment.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong reference height, which changes the potential energy value even for the same object.
- Forgetting that potential energy depends linearly on height, unlike kinetic energy's dependence on velocity squared.
Best practices
- Clearly define your reference height (like the ground or a table surface) before calculating, since potential energy is always relative to that chosen point.
Tips
- For a "how fast will it hit the ground" style problem, this calculator pairs well with the Free Fall Calculator, which finds the fall time and impact velocity directly.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with no signup and no limit on how many calculations you run.
It's the standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth, approximately 9.80665 m/s², used as a constant in this calculation.
It's measured relative to a chosen reference height (often the ground or a table surface) — the height you enter should be measured from whatever reference point makes sense for your problem.
As an object falls, its gravitational potential energy converts into kinetic energy — in the absence of air resistance, the potential energy lost equals the kinetic energy gained.