Elastic Potential Energy Calculator

Use our elastic potential energy calculator to find the potential energy, spring constant, or displacement.

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Potential EnergySpring ConstantDisplacement

Spring Constant (k)

N/mgf/mkgf/mlb/inlb/ft

Displacement (Δx)

cmmkminftmi

Elastic Energy (PE_e)

JkJMJGJWhkWhMWhlb-ftBTUcalkcalt TNT

Displacement (Δx)

cmmkminftmi

Elastic Energy (PE_e)

JkJMJGJWhkWhMWhlb-ftBTUcalkcalt TNT

Spring Constant (k)

N/mgf/mkgf/mlb/inlb/ft

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Results: Potential Energy

Results: Potential Energy

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Result Unit J kJ MJ GJ Wh kWh MWh lb-ft BTU cal kcal t TNT

Potential Energy Formula:

PE_{e}= \frac{1}{2}k \Delta x^{2}

Results: Spring Constant

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Result Unit N/m gf/m kgf/m lb/in lb/ft

Spring Constant Formula:

k= \frac{2 \times PE_{e}}{\Delta x^{2}}

Results: Displacement

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Result Unit cm m km in ft mi

Displacement Formula:

\Delta = \sqrt{\frac{2 \times PE_{e}}{k}}

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By

Joe Sexton

Joe is the creator of Inch Calculator and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and construction. He holds several degrees and certifications.

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Sexton, J. (n.d.). Elastic Potential Energy Calculator. Inch Calculator. Retrieved February 5, 2026, from https://www.inchcalculator.com/elastic-potential-energy-calculator/

What Is Elastic Potential Energy?

Elastic potential energy is the stored energy in an object that is stretched or compressed. When you stretch, squeeze, or bend something elastic, energy is stored in it, and that energy can be released when the object goes back to its original shape.^[1]

Springs, rubber bands, and a bow and arrow are examples of objects that have elastic potential energy. The more you stretch or compress the object, the more elastic potential energy it stores.

Once the spring has sprung so-to-speak, the energy is converted into kinetic energy as it moves.

Elastic potential energy is different from gravitational potential energy, where the stored energy is due to position.

How to Calculate Elastic Potential Energy

To calculate the amount of elastic potential energy an object has, you need to know its spring constant (how stiff or elastic it is) and its displacement (how much it is stretched or compressed). Then, you can use the elastic potential energy formula to calculate.

You can use our spring constant calculator and our displacement calculator to find these values.

Elastic Potential Energy Formula

The elastic potential energy formula states:

Thus, the potential energy PE_e in Joules is equal to 1/2 times the spring constant k in Newtons per meter times the displacement Δx in meters, squared.^[2]