Physics Tool
Gravitational Potential Energy
Calculate the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field.
Energy (Joules)
490.50 J
Calories
117.23 cal
Foot-Pounds
361.77 ft-lb
Earth Gravity: 9.81 | Moon: 1.62 | Mars: 3.71 | Jupiter: 24.79
Σ The Formula
U = mgh
Real World Examples
Standard Drop
A 10kg weight at 5m height has 490.5 Joules of potential energy.
Feather vs Hammer
Mass is directly proportional to energy; heavier objects store more energy at the same height.
# About This Calculator
Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) is the energy stored in an object's vertical position or height. The energy is stored as a result of the gravitational attraction of the Earth for the object.
The standard formula is U = mgh, where:
- m is the mass of the object (kg).
- g is the acceleration of gravity (~9.81 m/s² on Earth).
- h is the height above a reference point (meters).
How To Use
- Enter the **Mass** of the object in kilograms.
- Enter the **Height** (elevation) in meters.
- Adjust the **Gravity** if you are calculating for another planet (e.g., 1.62 for the Moon).
- The result shows the energy in **Joules**, **Calories**, and **Foot-Pounds**.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can GPE be negative?+
Yes, if the object is below your chosen reference point (the 'zero level'), the height is negative, making the potential energy negative.
Is Gravitational Potential Energy free to use?+
Yes, Gravitational Potential Energy on Matheric is completely free to use. We believe in accessible education and utility for everyone.
How accurate is Gravitational Potential Energy?+
We use standard mathematical formulas and high-precision computing algorithms to ensure results for Gravitational Potential Energy are accurate for academic and professional use.
Can I use Gravitational Potential Energy on my phone?+
Yes! Gravitational Potential Energy is fully responsive and optimized for all devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
Do you save my data?+
No. We prioritize your privacy. All calculations are performed in your browser or temporarily processed, and we do not store your personal input data.
How do I report a bug?+
If you notice any issues with Gravitational Potential Energy or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us via the link in the footer. We value your feedback!