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Planetary Orbit Gravitational PE Calculator

U = −GMm/r — gravitational potential energy in orbit.

Calculates gravitational potential energy, orbital velocity, and total mechanical energy of a satellite or planet in circular orbit.

Priya Venkatesan By Priya Venkatesan
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

U = −GMm/r; v_orb = √(GM/r); E_total = −GMm/(2r)

In depth

Calculates gravitational potential energy, orbital velocity, and total mechanical energy of a satellite or planet in circular orbit.