Use the formula: PE = mgh
PE = potential energy
m = mass
g = acceleration due to gravity
h = height above the reference point
Measure mass in kilograms
Measure height in meters
Use g = 9.8 m/s² on Earth
Multiply mass by gravity
Multiply the result by height
The result is in joules
For elastic potential energy, use PE = 1/2 kx²
k = spring constant
x = displacement from equilibrium
Measure k in newtons per meter
Measure x in meters
The result is in joules