Mechanical Energy Calculator

How it works

1. 1Enter the object’s mass, velocity, and height above the reference point in your preferred unit system.
2. 2The calculator converts all inputs to SI units and computes KE = ½mv² and PE = mgh using g = 9.80665 m/s².
3. 3Total mechanical energy E = KE + PE is shown instantly, along with the individual components.

Use cases

• Physics students verifying problems on energy conservation and projectile motion.
• Engineers estimating the energy state of moving machinery or components at height.
• Sports scientists analysing an athlete’s mechanical energy at different phases of a jump.

Frequently asked questions

What is the formula for mechanical energy?

Total mechanical energy E = KE + PE = ½mv² + mgh, where m is mass (kg), v is speed (m/s), g ≈ 9.807 m/s², and h is height (m). For example, a 2 kg object at 10 m/s and 10 m high: KE = 100 J, PE ≈ 196 J, E ≈ 296 J.

What is the law of conservation of mechanical energy?

With no non-conservative forces (friction, air resistance), total mechanical energy stays constant. Energy shifts between kinetic and potential forms — a falling object loses PE and gains KE — but their sum is unchanged.

Can mechanical energy be negative?

Kinetic energy is always ≥ 0. Potential energy can be negative if the object is below the chosen reference height (h < 0). Total mechanical energy is negative only when a low-speed object sits below the reference level — a valid, frame-dependent result.