Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate gravitational or elastic potential energy using m·g·h or ½·k·x² with metric and imperial support.
How it works
- 1Choose the energy type — Gravitational (m·g·h) or Elastic (½·k·x²) — using the Type selector.
- 2Enter mass and height for gravitational PE, or spring constant and displacement for elastic PE. Toggle metric/imperial as needed.
- 3The calculator converts inputs to SI units and shows the stored energy in joules with a kilojoule readout.
Use cases
- Physics students verifying problems on energy stored in lifted objects or compressed springs.
- Engineers estimating energy stored in suspension springs or elevated reservoirs.
- Teachers demonstrating how height and mass affect gravitational potential energy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?
Gravitational PE = m·g·h, where m is mass (kg), g ≈ 9.807 m/s², and h is height (m). For example, a 2 kg object raised 10 m stores 2 × 9.807 × 10 ≈ 196 J.
What is the formula for elastic potential energy?
Elastic PE = ½·k·x², where k is the spring constant (N/m) and x is the compression or extension (m). A spring with k = 200 N/m compressed 0.05 m stores ½ × 200 × 0.05² = 0.25 J.
Can I use imperial units?
Yes. Switch to imperial: masses in lb and heights in ft (or displacement in inches for elastic). Inputs are converted to SI internally, so the result is always in joules.
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