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Gravitational Potential Energy (U = mgh) Calculator

Near a planetary surface, gravitational potential energy U is the mechanical energy stored by elevating a mass m to height h against gravitational field strength g: U = m × g × h.

U = m × g × h
Pick which value you want to calculate (or type into any field):Solving for: U — Potential Energy
Calculated

Gravitational potential energy in Joules

110,000,000.00

Elevated mass in kilograms

0.150,000.00

Local gravity in m/s² (Earth standard = 9.80665)

0.530
unit

Vertical displacement above reference datum in meters

0.15,000.00
Calculated Result · Potential Energy (U)
49,033.25J
Converted units:

Step-by-Step Calculation

01Canonical Law: U = m × g × h
02Given Inputs (Base Units): m = 500 kg, g = 9.8066, h = 10 m
03Solve for U (Potential Energy): U = 49,033.25 J

Near a planetary surface, gravitational potential energy U is the mechanical energy stored by elevating a mass m to height h against gravitational field strength g: U = m × g × h.

Real-World Reference Values

Earth Standard Gravity (g₀)9.80665 m/s²

CODATA sea-level reference acceleration

Lunar Surface Gravity1.625 m/s²

16.6% of Earth's gravitational field

Pumped-Storage Hydro (1 m³ @ 100m)1,000 kg → 980.7 kJ

0.272 kWh stored per cubic meter at 100m head

20-Row Comparison Table

Potential Energy (U) · Mass (m)

Gravitational Potential Energy (U = mgh) Calculator — Mass → Potential Energy
#Mass (kg)Potential Energy (J)Δ %
010.1 kg9.8067 J-99.98%
02500 kgCurrent49,033.25 J0.00%
03776.4038 kg76,139.20 J+55.28%
041,164.56 kg114,203.90 J+132.91%
051,552.71 kg152,268.60 J+210.54%
061,940.86 kg190,333.30 J+288.17%
072,329.01 kg228,398.00 J+365.80%
082,717.16 kg266,462.70 J+443.43%
093,105.32 kg304,527.40 J+521.06%
103,493.47 kg342,592.10 J+598.69%
113,881.62 kg380,656.80 J+676.32%
124,269.77 kg418,721.50 J+753.95%
134,657.92 kg456,786.20 J+831.58%
145,046.07 kg494,850.89 J+909.21%
155,434.23 kg532,915.59 J+986.85%
165,822.38 kg570,980.29 J+1064.48%
176,210.53 kg609,044.99 J+1142.11%
186,598.68 kg647,109.69 J+1219.74%
196,986.83 kg685,174.39 J+1297.37%
207,374.99 kg723,239.09 J+1375.00%
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the free-fall speed when potential energy converts to kinetic energy?+

Equating mgh = ½mv² cancels mass m and yields v = √(2gh).

Does the path taken to lift the mass affect U?+

No. Gravity is a conservative vector field, so potential energy depends strictly on vertical height difference h.

Can I simulate Mars or Moon gravity?+

Yes. Set g = 3.721 m/s² for Mars or g = 1.625 m/s² for the Moon.