Science
Mass and spring period
Find the oscillation period and frequency of a mass attached to an ideal spring; a heavier mass slows the oscillation while stiffness speeds it up.
Calculators / Science / Spring potential energy
Spring potential energy calculator
Calculate energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring and the signed restoring force, which acts opposite the entered displacement.
On this page
Stored energy1J
Restoring force-20N
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Calculate energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring and the signed restoring force, which acts opposite the entered displacement.
Stored energy = k*x^2/2 J; Restoring force = -k*x N
Worked example
Spring constant (N/m): 200; Displacement (m): 0.1.
Stored energy: 1 J; Restoring force: -20 N.
Assumptions and limits
Calculate energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring and the signed restoring force, which acts opposite the entered displacement. Ideal linear Hooke-law spring without damping. Displacement is measured from equilibrium; restoring force has the opposite sign.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Calculate energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring and the signed restoring force, which acts opposite the entered displacement.
When this tool is useful
Stored energy = k*x^2/2 J; Restoring force = -k*x N
Understanding your inputs
| Input | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Spring constant (N/m) | Enter a number of at least 1e-12 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Displacement (m) | Enter a number of at least -1000000000000 and no more than 1000000000000. |
Frequently asked questions
What assumptions does this calculation use?
Calculate energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring and the signed restoring force, which acts opposite the entered displacement. Ideal linear Hooke-law spring without damping. Displacement is measured from equilibrium; restoring force has the opposite sign.
How is the result calculated?
Stored energy = k*x^2/2 J; Restoring force = -k*x N