Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. Calculated as PE = mgh, it depends on the object's mass, height above a reference point, and the strength of gravity. This calculator also shows the equivalent velocity the object would reach if all potential energy converted to kinetic energy during a fall.
The formula PE = mgh gives the gravitational potential energy relative to a chosen reference level (usually the ground). Here m is mass in kilograms, g is gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² on Earth’s surface), and h is height in meters. Potential energy is always measured relative to some reference point, so the choice of “zero height” is arbitrary.
By conservation of energy, an object falling from height h (starting from rest) converts all its potential energy to kinetic energy: mgh = ½mv². Solving for velocity gives v = √(2gh), independent of mass. This is why all objects in free fall (ignoring air resistance) hit the ground at the same speed regardless of weight.
Gravitational potential energy is central to hydroelectric power (water falling from a reservoir), roller coaster design, pendulum physics, and orbital mechanics. For very large heights where g is not constant, the more general formula PE = -GMm/r is used instead.