Physics calculator
Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate gravitational potential energy using mass, reference height, and gravitational acceleration.
Standard Earth gravity is 9.80665 m/s². A negative height means the object is below the chosen zero-height reference.
Gravitational potential energy
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Gravitational potential energy formula
Potential energy is energy associated with position in a gravitational field. In PE = mgh, m is mass in kilograms, g is gravitational acceleration in meters per second squared, and h is height in meters relative to a chosen reference.
Worked example
For a 10 kg object 5 m above the reference level under standard Earth gravity, PE = 10 × 9.80665 × 5 = 490.3325 J.
Reference height and assumptions
Potential energy depends on where zero height is chosen. A negative height produces negative potential energy relative to that reference; it does not mean the object contains inherently negative energy. The calculator assumes a constant gravitational acceleration over the height entered.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Earth gravity set to 9.80665 m/s²?
That is standard gravity, an internationally defined reference. Local gravitational acceleration varies slightly with location and altitude, so the field can be changed.
Can potential energy be zero?
Yes. It is zero when mass, gravity, or height relative to the selected reference is zero.
Why can height be negative?
Height is measured from a selected reference. A location below that reference has a negative height and therefore negative potential energy relative to it.