Potential Energy Calculator

Calculate gravitational potential energy (PE = mgh) or elastic potential energy (PE = ½kx²).

Mass (kg)

Height (m)

Gravitational Acceleration (m/s²)

Default: 9.81 m/s² (Earth). Moon: 1.62 m/s², Mars: 3.71 m/s², Jupiter: 24.79 m/s²

How to Calculate Potential Energy

Choose Energy Type

Select between gravitational PE (height-based) or elastic PE (spring-based).

Enter Values

Input mass, height, and gravity for gravitational PE, or spring constant and displacement for elastic PE.

View Results

Get potential energy in joules plus conversions to kJ, calories, watt-hours, and foot-pounds.

Key Features of Potential Energy Calculator

✓Dual Calculation Modes

Calculate both gravitational potential energy (PE = mgh) and elastic potential energy (PE = ½kx²).

✓Multiple Unit Conversions

Results automatically converted to kilojoules, calories, kilocalories, watt-hours, and foot-pounds.

✓Custom Gravity Values

Calculate PE for different planets — Earth (9.81), Moon (1.62), Mars (3.71), or Jupiter (24.79 m/s²).

✓Spring Physics Support

Elastic PE mode handles spring constant and displacement for Hooke's Law calculations.

Potential Energy Formulas

Gravitational PE: PE = m × g × h

Elastic PE: PE = ½ × k × x²

Gravitational PE Variables:

• m = mass in kilograms (kg)
• g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
• h = height above reference point (m)
• PE = potential energy in joules (J)

Elastic PE Variables:

• k = spring constant in N/m
• x = displacement from equilibrium (m)
• PE = stored elastic energy in joules (J)
• Works for both compression and extension

Frequently Asked Questions About Potential Energy

What is potential energy?

Potential energy is stored energy due to an object's position or configuration. Gravitational PE comes from height above ground. Elastic PE is stored in stretched or compressed springs.

What units are used for potential energy?

The SI unit is the joule (J). One joule equals one newton-meter. Other common units include kilojoules (kJ), calories, and foot-pounds (ft-lb).

How does height affect gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational PE is directly proportional to height. Double the height, double the potential energy. That's why objects falling from greater heights hit harder.

Why is there a ½ in the elastic PE formula?

The ½ comes from integrating Hooke's Law (F = kx) over the displacement. The force increases linearly as you stretch, so average force is half the maximum.

Can potential energy be negative?

It depends on your reference point. If you set ground level as zero PE, objects below ground have negative PE. The important thing is the change in PE, not the absolute value.

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