Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
Work out the gravitational potential energy stored by lifting a mass to a height near the Earth’s surface.
How it works
PE = m·g·h · weight = m·g
Gravitational potential energy is the work done against gravity to lift a mass to a height, and it equals mass times gravity times height. It is measured from a reference level you choose — usually the ground — so only differences in height matter. Release the mass and this energy converts into kinetic energy as it falls, which is why a 10 kg weight lifted 5 m can do 490 J of work on the way down.
Worked example
Lifting a 10 kg mass 5 m with g = 9.81: PE = 10 × 9.81 × 5 = 490.5 J. Drop it and, ignoring air resistance, all 490.5 J reappears as kinetic energy at the bottom.
Sources: Gravitational energy — Wikipedia
Frequently asked questions
Does potential energy depend on the path taken?
No. Gravitational potential energy depends only on the vertical height change, not on how the mass got there. Carrying a box up a ramp or straight up a ladder stores the same energy for the same height gain.
What is the reference height?
Potential energy is always measured relative to a chosen zero level, usually the ground or the floor. Only changes in height between two points are physically meaningful, so you are free to set zero wherever is convenient.
This formula works near Earth — when does it break down?
PE = mgh assumes g is constant, which holds close to the surface. Over distances where gravity weakens noticeably — orbits and space travel — you need the full −GMm/r form instead.
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Educational estimate. Check the formula and units for your exact case.