Gravitational Potential Energy (PE = m·g·h)
Energy stored in an object lifted to a height. Enter mass, height, and (optionally) the gravity of another planet.
Result
- In kilojoules6.865 kJ
- In kcal (food calories)1.6407 kcal
- Equivalent free-fall speed at hIf released from rest, this is the impact speed.14.005 m/s
Step-by-step
- PE = m × g × h.
- PE = 70 kg × 9.80665 m/s² × 10 m = 6,864.65 J.
- By energy conservation, an object falling from rest at this height hits at v = √(2gh) = 14.005 m/s.
How to use this calculator
- Enter mass in kg.
- Enter height in metres above the chosen zero (ground level is the usual choice).
- Optionally change g for a different planet.
- Read PE in joules. The breakdown shows free-fall impact speed if released from rest.
About this calculator
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object's vertical position relative to a reference level — typically the ground or some chosen zero. Lifting a 70 kg adult one storey (≈ 3 m) stores about 2 060 J. That is the energy that returns as kinetic energy on the way down: ignoring air resistance, the object hits the ground at v = √(2gh). Because g varies with location and especially with which planet you are on, this calculator lets you change g — useful for engineering problems on the Moon (1.62 m/s²) or Mars (3.71 m/s²). PE is conventionally measured from a chosen reference height; only changes in PE are physically meaningful.