Curious about how much you'd weigh on Mars, Jupiter, or even the Moon? This calculator uses your Earth weight and the gravitational acceleration of celestial bodies to show you your weight on other planets.
Planet Weight Calculator
Enter your weight as measured on Earth.
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Moon
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto
Choose a celestial body to calculate your weight.
Results
Your weight on selected planet: — kg
Your Mass (kg):—
Gravitational Acceleration (m/s²):—
Weight on Selected Planet (N):—
Weight (N) = Mass (kg) × Gravitational Acceleration (m/s²)
Comparison of Gravitational Acceleration (m/s²) on Various Planets
Gravitational Acceleration of Solar System Planets
Planet
Gravitational Acceleration (m/s²)
Surface Gravity (g)
Mercury
3.70
0.38
Venus
8.87
0.90
Earth
9.81
1.00
Moon
1.62
0.16
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
Pluto
0.62
0.06
What is Calculating Weight on Another Planet?
Calculating weight on another planet is a fascinating application of fundamental physics that helps us understand the differences in how gravity affects objects across the cosmos. It's not about changing your *mass*, which is the amount of matter in an object and remains constant, but about determining your *weight*, which is the force exerted on that mass by gravity. Since each celestial body possesses a unique gravitational pull, your experience of "heaviness" will vary significantly.
This concept is crucial for space exploration, enabling engineers and astronauts to anticipate the forces they will encounter. For the curious mind, it's a fun way to grasp the immense scale and diversity of gravitational forces in our universe. Understanding how weight changes is essential for anyone interested in astronomy, physics, or even science fiction.
Who should use it?
Students learning about physics and astronomy.
Space enthusiasts and amateur astronomers.
Anyone curious about the science behind gravity.
Educators developing science lessons.
Common misconceptions include:
Confusing mass with weight: Your mass (e.g., 70 kg) never changes, but your weight (the force you exert) does.
Assuming gravity is uniform everywhere: Each planet and moon has its own unique gravitational strength based on its mass and radius.
Believing weight is just a number: Weight is a force, measured in Newtons (N), although we often colloquially use kg to represent weight on Earth.
Weight on Another Planet Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core principle behind calculating weight on another planet is Newton's second law of motion, specifically applied to the force of gravity. The formula is straightforward:
Weight = Mass × Gravitational Acceleration
Let's break down the variables and the process:
Understanding the Variables
To calculate your weight on another planet, we need two key pieces of information:
Your Mass (m): This is the intrinsic amount of "stuff" in your body. Mass is measured in kilograms (kg) and remains constant regardless of location. If you weigh 70 kg on Earth, your mass is 70 kg, whether you're on Earth, the Moon, or Jupiter.
Gravitational Acceleration (g): This is the acceleration experienced by an object due to gravity on the surface of a specific celestial body. It's measured in meters per second squared (m/s²). This value is different for every planet, moon, or star because it depends on the body's mass and radius.
The resulting weight is a force, measured in Newtons (N), according to the International System of Units (SI).
The Calculation Steps
Determine Your Mass: This is usually the same as your weight measured in kilograms on Earth. For example, if you weigh 70 kg on Earth, your mass (m) is 70 kg.
Find the Gravitational Acceleration of the Target Planet: Each planet has a known gravitational acceleration value. For instance, Earth's surface gravity is approximately 9.81 m/s². Mars's is about 3.71 m/s².
Apply the Formula: Multiply your mass by the planet's gravitational acceleration.
Formula: W = m × g
Where:
W = Weight (in Newtons, N)
m = Mass (in kilograms, kg)
g = Gravitational Acceleration (in meters per second squared, m/s²)
While colloquially we use "weight" in kg, technically on Earth, your weight force is your mass times Earth's gravity (e.g., 70 kg * 9.81 m/s² = 686.7 N). When comparing weights across planets, we often just multiply your Earth-mass-equivalent-weight (e.g., 70 kg) by the ratio of the planet's gravity to Earth's gravity, which gives a result in kg-force or an equivalent perceived "weight" in kg on that planet. Our calculator provides both the force in Newtons and a perceived weight in kg for easier understanding.
Variables Table
Key Variables for Weight Calculation
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Mass (m)
Amount of matter in an object
kilograms (kg)
Varies per individual (e.g., 40-200 kg for adults)
Gravitational Acceleration (g)
Force of gravity at the surface of a celestial body
meters per second squared (m/s²)
0.16 (Moon) to 24.79 (Jupiter) for Solar System
Weight (W)
Force exerted by gravity on a mass
Newtons (N)
Product of m × g
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's see how this works with some practical examples:
Example 1: An Astronaut on the Moon
Imagine an astronaut whose mass is 80 kg. They are preparing for a mission to the Moon.
Input: Earth Weight (Mass) = 80 kg
Target Planet: Moon
Moon's Gravitational Acceleration (g): Approximately 1.62 m/s²
Calculation:
Weight on Moon (N) = 80 kg × 1.62 m/s² = 129.6 N
Perceived Weight on Moon (kg) = 80 kg × (1.62 m/s² / 9.81 m/s²) ≈ 13.15 kg
Interpretation: The astronaut, with a mass of 80 kg, would experience a weight of only about 13.15 kg on the Moon. This reduced weight is why astronauts can perform giant leaps and carry heavy equipment with relative ease on the lunar surface. The force they exert downwards is significantly less.
Example 2: A Probe on Jupiter
Consider a space probe designed to study Jupiter. The probe has a mass of 500 kg.
Input: Probe Mass = 500 kg
Target Planet: Jupiter
Jupiter's Gravitational Acceleration (g): Approximately 24.79 m/s²
Calculation:
Weight on Jupiter (N) = 500 kg × 24.79 m/s² = 12,395 N
Perceived Weight on Jupiter (kg) = 500 kg × (24.79 m/s² / 9.81 m/s²) ≈ 1263.5 kg
Interpretation: The 500 kg probe would feel incredibly heavy on Jupiter, experiencing a force equivalent to a mass of over 1200 kg! This immense gravitational pull has significant implications for spacecraft design, requiring robust structures capable of withstanding such forces.
How to Use This Planet Weight Calculator
Our calculator makes it simple to determine your weight on any planet in our solar system (and even Pluto!). Follow these easy steps:
Enter Your Earth Weight: In the "Your Weight on Earth (kg)" field, input your current weight in kilograms. Remember, this value represents your mass.
Select a Planet: Use the dropdown menu labeled "Select Planet" to choose the celestial body you're interested in (e.g., Mars, Jupiter, Moon).
Calculate: Click the "Calculate Weight" button.
Reading Your Results:
Primary Result (Highlighted): This shows your perceived weight on the selected planet in kilograms. It's the most intuitive way to understand how "heavy" you'd feel.
Your Mass (kg): This value will remain the same as your initial Earth weight input, reinforcing that mass is constant.
Gravitational Acceleration (m/s²): This displays the specific gravity of the planet you selected.
Weight on Selected Planet (N): This shows the actual force of your weight on that planet, measured in Newtons.
Decision-Making Guidance:
While this calculator is for educational and curiosity purposes, understanding gravitational differences is vital for mission planning. For space agencies, knowing these values helps in designing suits, vehicles, and predicting astronaut capabilities. For enthusiasts, it's a great way to visualize the vast differences in cosmic forces.
Use the "Copy Results" button to easily share your findings or save them for later reference.
Key Factors That Affect Weight on Other Planets
While the core calculation is simple (Mass x Gravity), several underlying factors contribute to the gravitational acceleration of a planet, and thus your perceived weight. Understanding these helps appreciate the diversity of planetary characteristics:
Planet's Mass: This is the most significant factor. More massive planets exert a stronger gravitational pull. Jupiter, being the most massive planet in our solar system, has the highest surface gravity.
Planet's Radius: Gravity's strength also depends on how close you are to the center of the mass. A larger radius means you are farther from the center, which weakens the gravitational pull at the surface. This is why Saturn, despite being massive, has a lower surface gravity than Earth – it's much less dense and larger in radius.
Planet's Density: Density (mass per unit volume) combines the effects of mass and radius. A highly dense planet will have stronger surface gravity than a less dense planet of the same mass.
Atmospheric Pressure: While not directly affecting the gravitational force itself, a dense atmosphere can create atmospheric drag and affect measurements or perceptions of weight, especially for lighter objects or during descent. However, for calculating *your* weight (a fundamental force), we focus on the direct gravitational pull.
Distance from the Sun (Indirect): A planet's distance from the Sun influences its formation and composition, which in turn dictates its mass and radius, thereby affecting its gravity. However, the direct relationship is between mass/radius and gravity, not distance itself.
Geological Activity/Surface Features: While minuscule on a planetary scale, variations in terrain or gravitational anomalies (like mountains or trenches) can cause slight local variations in gravitational acceleration. For general calculations, we use the average surface gravity.
Rotational Speed (Minor Effect): A planet's rotation causes a slight centrifugal force that counteracts gravity, making objects effectively weigh slightly less at the equator than at the poles. This effect is generally small compared to the mass/radius influence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does my mass actually change on other planets?
A: No, your mass (the amount of matter in your body) is constant. Only your weight, which is the force of gravity acting upon your mass, changes.
Q: Why do we use kg for weight on Earth but Newtons for force?
A: On Earth, we colloquially use kilograms (kg) to represent weight because Earth's gravity is relatively constant. However, scientifically, weight is a force (measured in Newtons, N). 1 Newton is roughly the force needed to accelerate 1 kg by 1 m/s². So, 70 kg on Earth is about 70 * 9.81 = 686.7 N.
Q: Is the gravitational pull the same everywhere on a planet?
A: Nearly, but not exactly. Gravity can vary slightly due to factors like altitude, terrain, and uneven mass distribution within the planet. However, for general calculations like this, we use the average surface gravitational acceleration.
Q: Can I calculate my weight on stars?
A: While stars have immense gravity, they don't have a solid "surface" to stand on. Calculating weight on a star is not practically feasible in the same way as on planets or moons due to their gaseous nature and extreme conditions.
Q: What is "surface gravity" often listed as a percentage of Earth's?
A: This is a way to compare gravity relative to Earth. For example, Mars has a surface gravity of about 38% of Earth's. This means an object on Mars will weigh about 38% of what it weighs on Earth. Our calculator uses the m/s² value, but this percentage is a common way to express it.
Q: Will I feel lighter or heavier on Jupiter compared to Earth?
A: You will feel significantly heavier on Jupiter. Jupiter's gravitational acceleration is about 2.5 times that of Earth, so you would weigh roughly 2.5 times more.
Q: How does this calculator handle dwarf planets like Pluto?
A: Our calculator includes data for Pluto, which is classified as a dwarf planet. It has significantly lower gravity than Earth, meaning you would feel much lighter there.
Q: What if I enter a very high weight? Will the calculator still work?
A: Yes, the calculator uses standard physics formulas. As long as you input valid numerical values for weight and select a planet, it will compute the resulting weight based on the provided gravitational acceleration data. It's designed for a wide range of inputs.