Kinetic & Potential Energy Calculator
Compare motion energy with gravitational potential energy using mass, speed, height and gravitational acceleration.
Kinetic energy720 J
Gravitational potential490.333 J
Mechanical total1,210.333 J
How this tool works
Kinetic energy KE = ½mv². Gravitational potential energy PE = mgh relative to the chosen zero height.
Example
A 10 kg object moving at 12 m/s has 720 J of kinetic energy; at 5 m height under standard gravity it has about 490 J of gravitational potential energy.
Common questions
What is the reference height for potential energy?
Potential energy is relative. The entered height is measured from whatever zero level you choose.
Does total mechanical energy include springs or rotation?
No. The total shown is only translational kinetic plus simple gravitational potential energy.