Use the formula (PE = mgh)
Identify the mass (m) in kilograms
Identify the gravitational acceleration (g) in meters per second squared
Identify the height (h) in meters
Multiply mass by gravity by height
Use the formula (PE = frac{1}{2}kx^2) for elastic potential energy
Identify the spring constant (k)
Identify the displacement (x)
Square the displacement
Multiply by the spring constant
Multiply by one-half
Express the result in joules