What is elastic potential energy?

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a spring or elastic object when it is deformed (stretched or compressed) from its natural rest position. It is released when the spring returns to its original shape.

What is the formula used?

The formula is E = ½ × k × x², where E is the elastic potential energy in joules, k is the spring constant in newtons per meter (N/m), and x is the displacement in meters.

Does it matter if the spring is stretched or compressed?

No. The formula uses x², so the result is always positive regardless of whether the spring is stretched (positive x) or compressed (negative x). Both store the same energy for the same magnitude of displacement.

What is the spring constant?

The spring constant (k) measures the stiffness of a spring. A higher k means a stiffer spring that requires more force to deform. It is measured in newtons per meter (N/m) in SI units.

Can I use different units?

This calculator uses SI units (N/m for spring constant and meters for displacement). If your values are in other units, convert them first: 1 lb/in ≈ 175.13 N/m, 1 cm = 0.01 m, 1 mm = 0.001 m.

Elastic Potential Energy Calculator

Name: Elastic Potential Energy Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter a spring constant and displacement to instantly calculate the elastic potential energy stored using E = ½kx².

Spring Parameters

Formula: E = ½ × k × x²

Spring Constant (k)

Displacement (x)

Positive or negative — energy is always positive.

Enter values on the left to calculate energy.

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