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!
About
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).