Potential Energy Calculator
Easily calculate potential energy (PE) using mass, height and gravity in just a few steps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Potential energy is stored energy an object has because of its position or height above the ground. The higher the object is lifted the more energy it stores which can later turn into motion energy.
Potential energy is calculated using the physics formula PE = m × g × h. Multiply the mass of the object in kilograms by gravity (9.8 m/s² on Earth) and the height in meters. The result gives the energy in joules and the calculator also shows step by step solutions.
It is called potential energy because the object has the potential (ability) to move or do work. The energy is stored because of its position and it is not moving yet. When the object falls or starts moving this stored energy changes into kinetic energy.
Height increases gravitational potential energy because the object is lifted against gravity. A higher position means more stored energy that can turn into motion when released.
Potential energy is measured in joules (J). This is the standard unit of energy used in physics and science calculations.
Yes. If the reference level (ground or zero point) is chosen differently, the energy value can become negative. The calculator usually assumes ground level as zero.