Lifting an object stores energy that is released when it falls. Hydroelectric dams use exactly this principle.
How to use the Potential Energy Calculator
- Mass
- Height
- Gravitational acceleration
- Want to work backwards? Type a value into Potential energy and Height is calculated for you.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Multiply mass by gravitational acceleration and by height above the reference level.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Mass | Units: kg, lb, g, oz, st |
| Height | Units: m, cm, mm, km, in, ft … |
| Gravitational acceleration | Units: m/s², ft/s², g |
What each result means
- Potential energy = [Mass] × [Gravitational acceleration] × [Height]
- Speed if dropped (no air) = sqrt(2×[Gravitational acceleration]×abs([Height]))
Example values
How the main result changes when Height changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Height (m) | Potential energy (J) |
|---|---|
| 2.5 | 245.17 |
| 3.75 | 367.75 |
| 5 | 490.33 |
| 6.25 | 612.92 |
| 7.5 | 735.5 |
| 10 | 980.67 |
Formula
PE = m × g × hWorked example
Inputs — Mass: 10 kg; Height: 5 m; Gravitational acceleration: 9.80665 m/s².
Results — Potential energy = 490.33 J; Speed if dropped (no air) = 9.9 m/s.
Frequently asked questions
Where is height measured from?
Any reference level you choose; only differences in PE matter.
What about springs?
Elastic potential energy uses ½kx² instead.
What formula does the Potential Energy Calculator use?
PE = m × g × h.
Can I work backwards from the result?
Yes. Type the result you want into Potential energy and the calculator finds the matching height.