Kinetic and potential energy calculator
Calculate the kinetic energy (½mv²), gravitational potential energy (mgh) and mechanical energy of a body, and see its speed when falling and the height it reaches when going up.
How to useKinetic, potential and mechanical energy
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Kinetic and potential energy calculator: what it is for
Enter the mass, speed (in km/h or m/s), height and gravity. The tool calculates the kinetic energy (½mv²), the gravitational potential energy (mgh) and their sum, the mechanical energy, and shows the proportion between them. Using conservation of energy, it also shows the speed on reaching level zero and the maximum height if the body is thrown upward.
The calculations run in your browser and ignore air resistance, as in high school physics exercises.
How to use
- Enter mass, speed and height.
- Choose the speed unit.
- See the energies and what they mean.
When to use it
- Solving conservation of energy exercises.
- Understanding the energy of a moving car.
- Studying roller coasters and pendulums.
Frequently asked questions
What is the kinetic energy formula?
KE = m·v²/2, with mass in kg and speed in m/s, giving the energy in joules. Because speed is squared, doubling the speed quadruples the energy, which is why high-speed crashes are so much more serious.
And gravitational potential energy?
PE = m·g·h, where h is the height above a reference level. A 1 kg body 1 m high on Earth has about 9.8 J.
What is conservation of mechanical energy?
Without friction or air resistance, the sum KE + PE stays constant. So potential energy turns into kinetic energy during a fall, and the speed on reaching the ground is v = √(v0² + 2gh).
Is it really free?
Yes, 100% free. No sign-up, no subscription and no usage limits. All Tools123 tools are free and run right in your browser.