Potential Energy Calculator - Calculate Gravitational PE (PE = mgh)

A potential energy calculator (also called a gravitational potential energy calculator or mgh calculator) is an online tool that computes the gravitational potential energy of an object using the fundamental physics equation PE = mgh, where PE is potential energy (in joules), m is mass (in kilograms), g is the acceleration due to gravity (in m/s²), and h is the height above a reference point (in meters). This formula is one of the cornerstones of classical mechanics, derived from the work done against gravity to lift an object.

Potential energy is the stored energy an object possesses due to its position relative to a gravitational field. Unlike kinetic energy, which depends on motion, potential energy is “energy at rest” that can be converted into other forms. When you lift a book from the floor to a shelf, you do work against gravity, and that work is stored as gravitational potential energy. If the book falls, that stored energy converts into kinetic energy. This principle appears in countless real‑world applications: from hydroelectric dams (water stored at a height) to roller coasters (cars at the top of a hill) to everyday objects on shelves.

This free online potential energy tool operates entirely within your browser - no data is sent to any server, ensuring your privacy and enabling offline use. It supports 4 mass units (kg, g, lb, oz), 6 height units (m, cm, km, ft, in, mi), 6 energy output units (J, kJ, cal, kcal, Wh, kWh), and includes quick‑select gravity presets for Earth, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and other planets, plus a custom field. Whether you are a student solving physics homework, an engineer calculating energy storage, or a science enthusiast, this calculator is your go‑to solution.

Using this mgh calculator is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Enter the mass of the object in the first input field.
2. Select the mass unit from the dropdown (kg, g, lb, oz).
3. Enter the height of the object above the reference point.
4. Select the height unit from the dropdown (m, cm, km, ft, in, mi).
5. Select or enter gravity - choose a preset for Earth (9.81 m/s²), Moon (1.62 m/s²), Mars (3.71 m/s²), Jupiter (24.79 m/s²), etc., or enter a custom value.
6. The potential energy is automatically calculated as you type.
7. Select your desired energy unit from the output dropdown (J, kJ, cal, kcal, Wh, kWh).
8. Copy the result using the copy button, or use Clear All to reset.

The gravitational potential energy formula is derived from the definition of work (W = F × d). The force needed to lift an object at constant speed against gravity is F = mg (where g ≈ 9.81 m/s² on Earth). The work done is then W = F × h = mgh. This work is stored as gravitational potential energy. Because energy is conserved, the object can later release that stored energy - for example, as kinetic energy when falling or as heat if it hits the ground.

The formula can be rearranged to solve for any variable:

• Potential Energy: PE = mgh
• Mass: m = PE / (g × h)
• Gravity: g = PE / (m × h)
• Height: h = PE / (m × g)

The acceleration due to gravity (g) varies depending on the celestial body. Below are the standard surface gravity values for planets and other bodies in the solar system:

The total mechanical energy of an object is the sum of its kinetic and potential energies: E_total = KE + PE. In the absence of friction or air resistance, total mechanical energy is conserved. When an object falls, its potential energy decreases and its kinetic energy increases by the same amount - explaining why a falling object speeds up.

• Completely free, no registration. Unlimited calculations with no hidden costs.
• Privacy‑first design. All calculations happen locally in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.
• Supports 4 mass units, 6 height units, and 6 energy units - covering both metric and imperial measurement systems.
• Quick‑select gravity presets for Earth, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and other planets, plus a custom field.
• High precision with results to 6 decimal places, suitable for educational, engineering, and scientific applications.
• Works offline after initial page load.
• Fully responsive design with resizable panels on desktop for custom workflow.