Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
🪐 Gravity & circular motion. Use the Gravitational potential energy (far from Earth) formula to find potential energy, planet mass, mass, distance from the centre: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Potential energy | J |
| Planet mass | kg |
| Mass | kg |
| Distance from the centre | m |
Worked example
Find the potential energy when Planet mass = 5.972 × 10²⁴ kg, Mass = 1000 kg, Distance from the centre = 6.371 × 10⁶ m.
Using Ep = -GMm/r: Potential energy = -6.256 × 10¹⁰ J.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Gravitational potential energy (far from Earth)?
Ep = -GMm/r.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Potential energy in J, Planet mass in kg, Mass in kg, Distance from the centre in m.
How do you calculate potential energy?
Put the values into Ep = -GMm/r. For example, with Planet mass = 5.972 × 10²⁴ kg, Mass = 1000 kg, Distance from the centre = 6.371 × 10⁶ m, potential energy = -6.256 × 10¹⁰ J.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (potential energy, planet mass, mass, distance from the centre) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
