What is gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy (PE) is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field. The standard formula is PE = m × g × h, where m is mass (kg), g is gravitational acceleration (m/s²), and h is height above a reference point (m). The SI unit of PE is the joule (J).

What value of g is used for Earth?

The standard gravitational acceleration on Earth's surface is g = 9.80665 m/s² (often rounded to 9.81 m/s²). This calculator uses the standard value 9.80665 m/s² for the Earth preset.

What are the g values for the Moon and Mars?

The Moon's surface gravity is approximately 1.62 m/s² — about 1/6 of Earth's. Mars has a surface gravity of about 3.72 m/s², roughly 38% of Earth's. You can also enter a custom g value for any other body or scenario.

What unit conversions are provided?

The primary result is in joules (J). The tool also shows kilojoules (kJ), foot-pounds force (ft·lbf), British thermal units (BTU), and kilocalories (kcal). Click any card to copy the converted value.

Can I use this for negative heights?

Yes. If you enter a negative height (e.g. an object below the reference datum), the calculator returns a negative PE, which is physically valid and indicates energy that must be added to raise the object back to the reference level.

Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator

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

Compute gravitational PE = m × g × h with Earth, Moon, Mars, or custom gravity and metric or imperial units.

Inputs

Gravitational Acceleration (g)

g = 9.80665 m/s²

Mass (m)

Height (h)

PE = m × g × h

Enter mass and height on the left to compute potential energy.

PE = m × g × h

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Summary

Compute gravitational PE = m × g × h with Earth, Moon, Mars, or custom gravity and metric or imperial units.

How it works

Select a gravity preset (Earth, Moon, Mars) or choose Custom to enter your own g value.
Enter the object's mass and choose a mass unit (kg, g, lb, slug).
Enter the height above the reference level and choose a height unit (m, cm, ft, in).
The gravitational potential energy is computed instantly and displayed in joules.
All unit conversions (kJ, ft·lbf, BTU, cal) are shown below the primary result.
Click any conversion card to copy that value to your clipboard.

Use cases

Solve physics homework problems involving gravitational potential energy.
Calculate the stored energy of an object at a given height.
Compare how the same object behaves under Earth, Moon, or Mars gravity.
Determine the energy released when an object falls from a known height.
Convert gravitational PE between joules, kilojoules, foot-pounds, BTU, and calories.
Estimate hydroelectric potential energy for a reservoir at a given elevation.
Analyze roller-coaster or projectile energy at different points in a trajectory.
Verify mgh calculations in engineering coursework or exam preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-09 · Reviewed by Nham Vu