Potential Energy Calculator

Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored by lifting something. Choose 9.81, 9.8 or 10 m/s² to match your textbook.

Results update as you type.

Potential energy

4,903.325 J

Speed at the bottom if dropped
14.0047 m/s50.417 km/h, ignoring air resistance
In kJ
4.903325 kJ
In MJ
0.004903325 MJ
In cal
1,171.9228 cal
In kcal
1.1719228 kcal
In Wh
1.3620347 Wh
In kWh
0.0013620347 kWh

About this calculator

The calculator also shows the speed the object would reach if dropped from that height.

How to use it

  1. Choose what to find, enter the other values with their units, and read the answer in every common unit.

The formula

PE = m × g × h
m
mass
g
gravitational acceleration
h
height

Worked example

50 kg lifted 10 m

  1. PE = 50 × 9.81 × 10 = 4,903 J.
  2. Dropped, it would land at 14 m/s.

What the result means

Only the change in height matters, so choose any convenient zero level.

Assumptions

  • Gravity is constant over the height.

Limitations

  • Air resistance is ignored for the drop speed.

Frequently asked questions

Which value of g should I use?

9.8 m/s² in most school books; some use 10 for easier arithmetic.

What is the unit?

Joules.

How is PE related to KE?

As an object falls, PE turns into KE: mgh = ½mv².

Last reviewed on 6 October 2026. Found a mistake? Tell us.