Use the formula (U = mgh) near Earth’s surface
Identify the mass (m) in kilograms
Identify the gravitational field strength (g) in m/s²
Identify the height (h) in meters relative to a reference point
Multiply (m times g times h)
Use the formula (U = -dfrac{GMm}{r}) for gravitational potential energy in a general gravitational field
Identify the gravitational constant (G)
Identify the masses (M) and (m)
Identify the distance (r) between their centers
Substitute the values into the formula
Calculate the result in joules
Compare energies using the same reference level or zero point