MihsabaHow to use
Near a surface, over a range where gravitational acceleration can be treated as constant, potential energy relative to a chosen reference level is U=mgh. Height may be negative if the object is below that reference.
- Choose the unknown: energy, mass, height or g.
- Choose SI or imperial units and enter the known values.
- Calculate to display all quantities after internal unit normalization.
How it is calculated
Example
Example: a 2 kg mass at 5 m with g=9.80665 m/s² has U≈98.0665 J relative to the chosen zero level.
Important notes
The value of U depends on the chosen zero level. mgh is a local constant-g approximation; large planetary distances or orbital problems require the general gravitational form U=-GMm/r.
Frequently asked questions
Can potential energy be negative?
Yes in the mgh reference-level model if the object is below the chosen zero; energy differences are often what matter.
Why is default g 9.80665?
It is standard gravity used as a reference and for unit conversion; you can enter another local value.
Is this calculator free?
Yes. It is free to use and requires no account.