Surface Gravity of Planets in the Solar System (relative to Earth's gravity)
Planet
Surface Gravity (m/s²)
Gravity Factor (vs Earth)
Mercury
3.70
0.38
Venus
8.87
0.91
Earth
9.81
1.00
Moon
1.62
0.17
Mars
3.71
0.38
Jupiter
24.79
2.53
Saturn
10.44
1.06
Uranus
8.69
0.89
Neptune
11.15
1.14
Gravity Comparison Chart
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What is the Formula to Calculate Weight on Other Planets?
The formula to calculate weight on other planets is a fundamental concept in physics that helps us understand how gravitational pull varies across different celestial bodies. Essentially, your weight is not a fixed property of your mass, but rather a measure of the force exerted on your mass by a gravitational field. Since each planet (and moon) has a different mass and radius, their surface gravity differs, leading to variations in the weight you would experience. This calculator provides a straightforward way to explore these differences.
Who should use this calculator?
Students learning about gravity and planetary science.
Anyone curious about how much they would weigh on Mars, Jupiter, or the Moon.
Educators demonstrating gravitational principles.
Common Misconceptions about weight on other planets:
Weight is Mass: Many people confuse weight with mass. Your mass (the amount of matter in your body) remains constant everywhere in the universe. Your weight changes because it's the force of gravity acting on that mass.
Zero Gravity Means No Mass: In environments like the International Space Station, astronauts experience "weightlessness," not zero gravity. They are still subject to Earth's gravity, but they are in a constant state of freefall, creating the illusion of zero gravity.
All Planets are Similar: While planets share fundamental laws of physics, their specific gravitational pulls can be vastly different, from the weak pull of Mercury to the crushing gravity of Jupiter.
Formula to Calculate Weight on Other Planets: Mathematical Explanation
The core principle behind calculating weight on another planet relies on the universal law of gravitation, but for practical purposes at the surface, we simplify it using the concept of surface gravity (g). Your weight (W) is defined as your mass (m) multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (g): W = m × g.
Since your mass (m) is constant, to find your weight on another planet (W_planet), you compare its surface gravity (g_planet) to Earth's surface gravity (g_earth):
W_planet = m × g_planet
We know your mass on Earth (m) can be derived from your weight on Earth (W_earth): m = W_earth / g_earth.
Substituting this back into the equation for W_planet:
W_planet = (W_earth / g_earth) × g_planet
This can be rearranged as:
W_planet = W_earth × (g_planet / g_earth)
The ratio (g_planet / g_earth) is often referred to as the "gravity factor" or "surface gravity multiplier." This is precisely the calculation our calculator performs.
Variables Explained:
Variables in the Weight Calculation Formula
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
W_earth
Your weight measured on Earth's surface.
Kilograms (kg) or Newtons (N). Calculator uses kg for mass reference.
Varies by individual (e.g., 40 – 200 kg).
g_earth
Standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface.
meters per second squared (m/s²).
Approximately 9.81 m/s².
g_planet
Acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the target planet.
meters per second squared (m/s²).
Ranges from ~1.62 m/s² (Moon) to ~24.79 m/s² (Jupiter).
W_planet
Your calculated weight on the surface of the target planet.
Kilograms (kg) or Newtons (N). Calculator displays in kg for easy comparison.
Varies based on g_planet.
m
Your mass (amount of matter). This is constant.
Kilograms (kg).
Same as W_earth if W_earth is interpreted as mass.
Practical Examples of Weight on Other Planets
Understanding the formula to calculate weight on other planets becomes clearer with practical examples:
Example 1: Weight on Mars
Let's say an astronaut weighs 80 kg on Earth. Mars has a surface gravity of approximately 3.71 m/s², while Earth's is 9.81 m/s². The gravity factor for Mars is roughly 3.71 / 9.81 ≈ 0.38.
Calculation:
Weight on Mars = 80 kg × (3.71 m/s² / 9.81 m/s²)
Weight on Mars ≈ 80 kg × 0.38
Result: The astronaut would weigh approximately 30.4 kg on Mars. This lower weight is due to Mars' significantly smaller mass and radius compared to Earth.
Interpretation: This significant reduction in weight means that movement, jumping, and lifting objects would feel much easier on Mars. However, factors like dust and the thin atmosphere still pose challenges.
Example 2: Weight on Jupiter
Consider an individual weighing 65 kg on Earth. Jupiter, being a gas giant with immense mass, has a surface gravity of about 24.79 m/s².
Calculation:
Weight on Jupiter = 65 kg × (24.79 m/s² / 9.81 m/s²)
Weight on Jupiter ≈ 65 kg × 2.53
Result: The individual would experience a weight of approximately 164.5 kg on Jupiter.
Interpretation: This extreme increase in weight would make standing or moving incredibly difficult, if not impossible, due to the immense gravitational forces. It highlights the extreme conditions on gas giants, where landing on a solid surface isn't even possible.
How to Use This Weight on Other Planets Calculator
Using this calculator is simple and intuitive. Follow these steps to find out how much you'd weigh elsewhere:
Enter Your Earth Weight: In the "Your Weight on Earth (kg)" field, input your current weight as measured on Earth.
Select a Planet: Use the dropdown menu labeled "Select Planet" to choose the celestial body (e.g., Mars, Moon, Jupiter) for which you want to calculate your weight.
Click Calculate: Press the "Calculate" button.
How to Read the Results:
Primary Result: The largest, most prominent number shows your calculated weight on the selected planet in kilograms.
Intermediate Values: You'll see Earth's gravity, the selected planet's gravity, and the calculated gravity factor. This factor shows how much stronger or weaker the gravity is compared to Earth.
Formula Display: A clear explanation of the formula used is provided for your reference.
Decision-Making Guidance: While this calculator is for theoretical exploration, understanding these weight differences can be crucial for mission planning in science fiction or for educational purposes. It helps visualize the physical challenges posed by different gravitational environments.
Key Factors Affecting Weight on Other Planets
While the primary calculation is straightforward, several underlying factors contribute to the differing surface gravities and thus, your weight on other planets:
Mass of the Planet: This is the most significant factor. More massive planets exert a stronger gravitational pull. Jupiter, for instance, is over 300 times more massive than Earth, leading to its high surface gravity.
Radius of the Planet: Gravity's strength also depends on the distance from the planet's center. For planets of similar mass, a smaller radius means you are closer to the center of mass, resulting in stronger surface gravity. Conversely, a larger radius lessens the pull at the surface.
Composition and Density: While related to mass and radius, the internal density of a planet plays a role. A planet with a higher average density might have stronger gravity than a less dense planet of the same size.
Atmospheric Pressure: While not directly affecting your *mass*, a very dense atmosphere could slightly affect measurements of "weight" if buoyancy effects are considered, though this is typically negligible for this type of calculation. The main impact of an atmosphere is on survival, not direct weight calculation.
Surface Features (Mountains, Valleys): Gravitational acceleration isn't perfectly uniform even across a single planet's surface due to variations in mass distribution (mountains are slightly more massive than a valley floor at the same altitude). However, these variations are minuscule compared to the differences between planets.
Rotation Speed: A planet's rotation causes a centrifugal effect, which slightly counteracts gravity, particularly at the equator. This effect is more pronounced on rapidly rotating planets like Jupiter but is usually a secondary consideration compared to mass and radius for general calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does my mass change on other planets?
No, your mass (the amount of matter in your body) remains constant regardless of your location in the universe. Only your weight, the force of gravity acting on your mass, changes.
Q2: Why is the Moon's gravity so much weaker?
The Moon has significantly less mass and a smaller radius than Earth. Its lower mass results in a much weaker gravitational pull at its surface.
Q3: Can I jump higher on the Moon?
Yes! With approximately 1/6th the gravity of Earth, you would be able to jump much higher and lift objects with far less effort on the Moon.
Q4: What does "gravity factor" mean in the results?
The gravity factor is the ratio of the planet's surface gravity to Earth's surface gravity (g_planet / g_earth). A factor of 0.38 means gravity is 38% as strong as Earth's. A factor of 2.53 means gravity is 2.53 times stronger than Earth's.
Q5: Are these calculations accurate for anywhere on the planet's surface?
These calculations provide an average surface gravity. Gravity can vary slightly depending on altitude and local density variations on the planet's surface.
Q6: What if I want to calculate weight in space or on a space station?
In orbit, objects experience apparent weightlessness due to constant freefall, not because gravity is absent. This calculator is designed for surface gravity calculations.
Q7: Does the atmosphere affect my weight?
Atmospheric pressure itself has a negligible direct effect on your measured weight (mass x gravity). However, thick atmospheres on gas giants like Jupiter mean there's no solid surface to stand on.
Q8: Can I calculate weight for exoplanets?
This calculator uses data for planets within our solar system. Calculating weight on exoplanets would require specific data on their mass and radius, which is often estimated.