Physics Formulas: Motion, Force and Energy Explained
The core mechanics formulas every student needs — velocity, acceleration, the equations of motion, force, momentum, work, energy and power — explained plainly with worked examples.
Potential Energy Calculator
Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device
Verified formula
Private
Gravitational potential energy
490.000
For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.
How to use the Potential Energy Calculator
The Potential Energy Calculator works out your gravitational potential energy in an instant. Enter mass, height and gravity (g) and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.
- Enter the mass.
- Enter the height.
- Enter the gravity (g).
- Read off your gravitational potential energy — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Formula
The Potential Energy Calculator uses the formula:
Gravitational potential energy = Mass × Gravity (g) × Height
Worked example
For example, with mass of 10 kg, height of 5 m and gravity (g) of 9.8 m/s², the gravitational potential energy is 490.000.
| Mass | 10 kg |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 m |
| Gravity (g) | 9.8 m/s² |
| Gravitational potential energy | 490.000 |
|---|
Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.
Key terms explained
- Potential energy
- Stored energy due to an object's position, equal to mass × gravity × height.
Frequently asked questions
Gravitational potential energy is mass × gravity × height: PE = mgh. A 10 kg object 5 m high has 490 joules at g = 9.8.
It is stored energy due to position. Lifting an object gives it potential energy that can convert to motion when it falls.
About 9.8 m/s² on Earth. Use a different value for other bodies, such as 1.62 on the Moon.
From a chosen reference level, often the ground. Potential energy is relative to that zero height.
Enter the mass. Enter the height. Enter the gravity (g). Read off your gravitational potential energy — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Related guides
Potential Energy Table: Gravitational potential energy by Mass
Reference table of gravitational potential energy for Potential Energy across a range of mass values — exact, engine-computed figures you can read off at a glance.
How to Calculate Potential Energy: Formula, Steps & Examples
Learn how to calculate Potential Energy — the formula explained step by step, with worked examples and a free calculator to check your answer.