Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored when you lift an object against gravity.
About this calculator
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored when you lift an object against gravity. This calculator uses PE = mgh with mass in kg, height in m, and g in m/s².
Example: a 5 kg book on a 10 m shelf has PE = 5 × 9.80665 × 10 ≈ 490 J. On the Moon (g ≈ 1.62 m/s²) the same book at the same height stores only about 81 J.
When the object falls, PE converts to kinetic energy — check with the [[kinetic-energy]] calculator at the impact speed. The [[work]] calculator gives the same energy as lifting (W = mgh). Weight force comes from the [[force]] calculator with a = g. For energy at the speed of light scale, see the [[energy-mass]] calculator.
Common uses
- Roller coaster and ramp height problems
- Hydroelectric dam energy estimates (intro level)
- Comparing PE on Earth vs Moon in astronomy units
- Energy conservation homework (PE + KE = constant)
- Finding minimum height for a loop-the-loop problem
Frequently asked questions
What is the potential energy of a 5 kg mass at 10 m height on Earth?
PE = mgh = 5 × 9.8 × 10 = 490 J (approx). Enter mass 5, height 10, and leave g at 9.80665 for a precise value near 490.3 J.
How does potential energy change on the Moon?
Set g to 1.62 m/s². The same mass and height give about one-sixth the PE compared to Earth because lunar gravity is weaker.
Where is the reference height h = 0?
You choose the zero level — often the ground or lab table. Only differences in PE matter for conservation problems, not the absolute zero point.
How is GPE related to work done lifting?
Work against gravity to lift mass m through height h equals mgh (ignoring air resistance). Use the [[work]] calculator with F = mg and s = h.