By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
Gravitational potential energy is energy stored by lifting an object against gravity. Near Earth's surface it equals mass times gravity times height, so twice the height means twice the stored energy. That energy is recovered as kinetic energy if the object falls.
Gravitational energy from mass and height.
E_p = m g h
E_p is potential energy in joules, m is mass, g is standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²) and h is height above the reference level. Only changes in height matter, so the reference level is arbitrary.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E_p | Gravitational potential energy, in joules. |
| m | Mass, in kilograms. |
| g | Standard gravity, 9.80665 m/s². |
| h | Height above the reference level, in metres. |
E_p = 10 × 9.80665 × 5 = 490.3 J. If released, that energy becomes kinetic, giving a landing speed of √(2 × 490.3 / 10) = 9.9 m/s.
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Yes, if you choose a reference level above the object. Only differences between two heights have physical meaning, so the sign depends on where you set zero.
Results are computed from the standard equations of classical mechanics. Unit conversions use the SI definitions published by NIST. Air resistance is ignored unless the calculator names a drag model.
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Last reviewed: September 2026. See how we build and check every tool on the about page.
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Content updated: September 2026