Energy due to position
What is gravitational potential energy?
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored by an object because of its vertical position in a gravitational field.
Formula
Gravitational potential energy formula
Potential EnergyPE = mgh
- PE is potential energy in joules.
- m is mass in kilograms.
- g is gravitational acceleration in meters per second squared.
- h is height in meters.
Worked example
A 10 kg object is raised 5 m
- Write the formula: PE = mgh.
- Substitute the values: PE = 10 × 9.8 × 5.
- Calculate the energy: PE = 490 J.
Rearranged equations
Solve for mass, gravity, or height
Mass
m = PE ÷ gh
Divide potential energy by gravity multiplied by height.
Gravity
g = PE ÷ mh
Divide potential energy by mass multiplied by height.
Height
h = PE ÷ mg
Divide potential energy by mass multiplied by gravity.
Units
Standard SI units
Use kilograms for mass, meters per second squared for gravity, and meters for height.
One joule1 J = 1 kg·m²/s²
Gravity values
Earth and other gravitational fields
On Earth, gravitational acceleration is commonly approximated as 9.8 m/s². Different planets and moons have different gravity values, which can be entered directly in the calculator.
Calculation limits
Important assumptions
- Mass must be greater than zero.
- Gravitational acceleration must be greater than zero.
- Height must be greater than zero.
- Potential energy must be greater than zero when solving for another variable.
- The calculator does not automatically convert units.
Related tools
Continue analyzing energy
Use the Kinetic Energy Calculator to calculate energy due to motion.
Use the Work Calculator for force and displacement, or use the Power Calculator for work completed over time.
Questions and answers
Gravitational potential energy FAQ
What formula does the gravitational potential energy calculator use?
It uses PE = mgh, where potential energy equals mass multiplied by gravitational acceleration and height.
What is the SI unit of gravitational potential energy?
The SI unit is the joule, written as J.
What value should I use for gravitational acceleration on Earth?
A common approximate value is 9.8 meters per second squared.
Can mass, gravity, or height be zero?
No. This calculator requires mass, gravitational acceleration, and height to be greater than zero.