Discover how much you would weigh on the Moon compared to Earth.
Weight Calculator
Enter your current weight in kilograms.
The Moon's gravity is approximately 16.5% of Earth's. This value is fixed.
Your Weight Results
0
on the Moon
0Weight on Earth
0Weight on Moon
0Gravity Difference (%)
Formula Used: Weight on Moon = Weight on Earth × Moon's Gravitational Factor. The gravity difference is calculated as (1 – (Weight on Moon / Weight on Earth)) × 100%.
Comparative Weight Chart
Weight Comparison: Earth vs. Moon
Weight Data Table
Location
Gravitational Factor
Your Weight
Earth
1.000
0 kg
Moon
0.165
0 kg
Weight Comparison Data
What is Calculating Weight on Moon and Earth?
Calculating weight on the Moon and Earth is a fundamental concept in physics that helps us understand the effect of gravity on mass. It's not about changing your mass (the amount of matter in your body), but rather how strongly a celestial body pulls on that mass. Your weight is the force of gravity acting on your mass. Since the Moon has significantly less mass than Earth, its gravitational pull is weaker, meaning you would weigh less on the Moon. This calculation is essential for anyone interested in space travel, astronomy, or simply curious about the physics governing our universe. It's a simple yet powerful illustration of gravitational principles.
Who should use it?
Students learning about physics and astronomy.
Aspiring astronauts or space enthusiasts.
Anyone curious about the concept of weight versus mass.
Weight is the same as mass: This is the most common error. Mass is intrinsic to an object, while weight is a force dependent on gravity. Your mass remains constant on Earth and the Moon, but your weight changes.
The Moon has no gravity: The Moon has gravity, just much less than Earth. This is why astronauts could walk (albeit with a different gait) on the lunar surface and why objects dropped there still fall.
Calculating weight on the Moon is complex: While the underlying physics can be detailed, the practical calculation for a human is straightforward, primarily involving a multiplication factor.
Weight on Moon vs. Earth Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The calculation is based on the principle that gravitational force is proportional to the mass of the celestial body. Earth's gravity is significantly stronger than the Moon's because Earth has a much larger mass.
The Core Formula
The primary formula used to calculate your weight on another celestial body, like the Moon, is:
Weight on Celestial Body = Your Mass × Gravitational Acceleration of Celestial Body
However, a more practical approach for comparing to Earth weight is using a gravitational factor:
Weight on Moon = Weight on Earth × Moon's Gravitational Factor
Variable Explanations
Let's break down the variables:
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range / Value
Weight on Earth
Your measured weight on Earth's surface. This is the force exerted on your mass by Earth's gravity.
Kilograms (kg)
Any positive real number (e.g., 50 – 150 kg for adults)
Moon's Gravitational Factor
The ratio of the Moon's gravitational acceleration to Earth's gravitational acceleration. It represents how much weaker the Moon's gravity is compared to Earth's.
Unitless Ratio
Approximately 0.165
Weight on Moon
Your calculated weight on the Moon's surface.
Kilograms (kg)
Weight on Earth × 0.165
Gravity Difference (%)
The percentage difference in gravitational pull between Earth and the Moon.
Percentage (%)
Calculated value, typically around 83.5% less than Earth's pull.
The Moon's gravitational factor is derived from the ratio of their gravitational accelerations. Earth's standard gravitational acceleration (g) is approximately 9.8 m/s², while the Moon's is about 1.62 m/s². The ratio is 1.62 / 9.8 ≈ 0.165.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Understanding how weight changes can be fascinating. Here are a couple of examples:
Interpretation: This person would feel significantly lighter on the Moon, weighing just over 12 kg. This illustrates the dramatic difference in gravitational pull between the two bodies.
Interpretation: Even a lighter individual would experience a substantial reduction in perceived weight on the Moon. The percentage difference remains consistent, highlighting the fixed nature of the Moon's gravitational factor relative to Earth.
How to Use This Weight on Moon Calculator
Using our calculator is straightforward:
Enter Your Earth Weight: In the "Your Weight on Earth (kg)" field, input your current weight in kilograms.
Fixed Moon Factor: The "Moon's Gravitational Factor" is pre-set to the scientifically accepted value (0.165) and cannot be changed.
Calculate: Click the "Calculate" button.
View Results: The calculator will display:
Your primary weight on the Moon (highlighted).
Your exact weight on Earth (as entered).
Your calculated weight on the Moon.
The percentage difference in gravity.
Interpret the Data: Observe how much lighter you would feel on the Moon. Use the table and chart for a visual comparison.
Copy Results: Click "Copy Results" to save or share your findings.
Reset: Click "Reset" to clear the fields and start over.
Decision-Making Guidance: While this calculator is for illustrative purposes, understanding these differences is crucial for mission planning in space exploration. Astronauts must train to adapt to reduced gravity to perform tasks effectively.
Key Factors That Affect Weight Calculations
While our calculator provides a direct Earth-to-Moon conversion, several underlying factors influence weight and gravity in a broader astronomical context:
Mass of the Celestial Body: This is the primary determinant. More massive bodies exert stronger gravitational pulls. Earth's vast mass causes its high surface gravity compared to the Moon.
Radius of the Celestial Body: Gravity also depends on the distance from the center of mass. For objects on the surface, the radius plays a role. Bodies with a larger radius but the same mass might have slightly weaker surface gravity.
Altitude/Elevation: Your weight decreases slightly as you move further away from the center of a planet or moon. This effect is negligible for most terrestrial activities but significant in space.
Rotational Speed: The rotation of a planet can create a centrifugal force that slightly counteracts gravity, making objects effectively weigh less at the equator than at the poles. This effect is minor on Earth and even less significant on the Moon.
Gravitational Anomalies: Though rare and typically minor, variations in density within a celestial body's crust can cause slight local fluctuations in surface gravity.
Composition and Density: While mass is key, the distribution of that mass (density) influences the gravitational field. However, for large, roughly spherical bodies, the total mass is the dominant factor for surface gravity calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is the amount of matter in an object and is constant regardless of location. Weight is the force of gravity acting on that mass. Your mass stays the same on Earth and the Moon, but your weight changes because the Moon's gravity is weaker.
Is the Moon's gravitational factor always 0.165?
The value 0.165 is an approximation of the Moon's surface gravity relative to Earth's. The precise value can vary slightly due to factors like measurement techniques and variations in the Moon's shape and density, but 0.165 is widely accepted for general calculations.
Why do astronauts float in space but walk on the Moon?
In orbit (like around Earth or the Moon), astronauts experience apparent weightlessness because they are constantly falling towards the celestial body while also moving sideways at high speed. On the Moon, there is significant gravity (about 16.5% of Earth's), allowing them to stand and walk, though their movements would feel different due to the reduced pull.
If I weigh less on the Moon, does that mean I lose weight?
No, you don't lose weight in the sense of losing body mass. Your body's composition remains the same. You simply *feel* lighter because the gravitational force pulling on your mass is less. True weight loss involves reducing body fat and muscle.
Could I jump higher on the Moon?
Yes! Because the Moon's gravity is weaker, less force is needed to overcome it. This means you could jump significantly higher and farther on the Moon than you can on Earth, assuming you exert a similar effort.
Does the calculator account for the Earth's rotation?
This specific calculator focuses on the direct gravitational pull comparison. While Earth's rotation does have a minor effect (making you slightly lighter at the equator), this calculator uses the standard value for Earth's gravity to provide a clear comparison with the Moon.
What would my weight be on other planets?
Weight varies significantly on different planets due to their differing masses and radii. For example, gravity on Jupiter is about 2.5 times that of Earth, so you would weigh much more there. You can find calculators online that compare weight across various planets.
Is the gravitational factor for the Moon constant everywhere on its surface?
While generally constant for practical purposes, like Earth, the Moon isn't a perfect sphere and has variations in mass distribution. This leads to very minor differences in gravitational pull across its surface, but for common calculations, a single average factor is used.