Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator

Calculate near-surface gravitational potential-energy change from mass, height change, and selected gravitational acceleration.

Calculate gravitational potential energy

Energy: 490.33 JReference gravity: 9.80665 m/s²

How this tool works

Near a body's surface, gravitational potential-energy change is proportional to mass, vertical displacement, and local gravitational acceleration. The reference level remains user-defined, so the result describes a change rather than absolute energy.

Potential-energy change ΔU equals mass m multiplied by gravitational acceleration g and vertical height change h. SI inputs produce joules.

How to use it

  1. Enter positive mass in kilograms.
  2. Enter signed vertical height change in metres.
  3. Enter the applicable gravitational acceleration and read the energy change.

Worked examples

Raised mass

Input
10 kg, 5 m, gravity 9.80665 m/s²
Output
Approximately 490.33 J

Multiplying mass, vertical height change, and standard gravity produces roughly 490.33 joules relative to the chosen reference height.

Lower gravity

Input
2 kg, 3 m, gravity 1.62 m/s²
Output
9.72 J

Using a smaller gravitational acceleration reduces the energy change proportionally, giving 2×3×1.62 or 9.72 joules.

Limitations

  • The constant-gravity approximation is local and fails across very large altitude changes.
  • Mechanical efficiency and losses are not included.