Weight on Other Planets

General Physics

Enter your weight on Earth to see what you would weigh on other celestial bodies in our solar system. The calculation is based on the surface gravity of each planet relative to Earth.

Practical Examples

See how the calculator works with different weights.

Average Adult Male

example

Calculating the weight of an average adult male weighing 180 lbs on Earth.

Weight on Earth: 180

Medium-Sized Dog

example

Calculating the weight of a dog that is 25 kg on Earth.

Weight on Earth: 25

Motorcycle

example

Calculating the weight of a motorcycle that weighs 400 lbs on Earth.

Weight on Earth: 400

Ten-Pin Bowling Ball

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Calculating the weight of a standard bowling ball, which is about 7 kg.

Weight on Earth: 7

Other Titles
Understanding Weight and Gravity: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore the concepts of weight, mass, and gravity and how they determine what you weigh throughout the solar system.

What is the Difference Between Mass and Weight?

  • Defining Mass
  • Defining Weight
  • The Role of Gravity
It's a common misconception to use the terms 'mass' and 'weight' interchangeably. While they are related, they represent different physical concepts. Understanding this difference is key to figuring out why you'd weigh less on Mars and more on Jupiter.
Defining Mass
Mass is the measure of the amount of matter in an object. It's an intrinsic property and remains constant no matter where the object is in the universe. Whether you're on Earth, the Moon, or floating in deep space, your mass stays the same. It is typically measured in kilograms (kg).
Defining Weight
Weight, on the other hand, is the force of gravity acting upon an object's mass. It is calculated by the formula: Weight = Mass × Gravitational Acceleration (g). Because gravitational acceleration varies from one celestial body to another, your weight changes depending on where you are. Weight is a force and is technically measured in Newtons (N), though it's often expressed in pounds (lbs) or even kilograms-force (kgf) in everyday language.

Simple Analogy

  • Imagine holding a bowling ball. The amount of 'stuff' that makes up the ball is its mass. The effort you need to exert to keep it from falling is its weight.
  • An astronaut has the same mass on Earth and in space, but they are 'weightless' in orbit because they are in a constant state of freefall, where the force of gravity isn't felt as weight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Weight on Other Planets Calculator

  • Entering Your Weight
  • Interpreting the Results
  • Using the Examples
Our calculator is designed to be simple and intuitive. Here's how you can use it to find your weight across the solar system in just a few clicks.
Step 1: Enter Your Weight on Earth
In the input field labeled 'Your Weight on Earth', type in your current weight. You don't need to worry about the units. Whether you think in pounds or kilograms, just enter the number. The calculator works based on ratios, so the output will be in the same unit you entered.
Step 2: Click 'Calculate Weight'
Once you've entered your weight, press the calculate button. The tool will instantly process the information and display your equivalent weight on various planets and celestial bodies.
Step 3: Analyze the Results
The results are displayed in a clear, easy-to-read format. For each planet (and the Moon and Pluto), you'll see your calculated weight. You'll also see the 'Gravity Factor', which shows how much stronger or weaker that body's gravity is compared to Earth's. For example, Mars has a gravity factor of 0.38, meaning its surface gravity is only 38% that of Earth's.

Pro Tip

  • Try entering the weight of different objects to see how they would vary. For example, what would a car weigh on Jupiter, or an elephant on the Moon?

Real-World Applications and Importance

  • Space Mission Planning
  • Educational Purposes
  • Understanding Physics
While finding your weight on Mars is a fun thought experiment, the underlying principles have critical real-world applications, especially in the fields of aerospace engineering and physics.
Space Mission Planning
When NASA plans a mission to another planet, like the Mars rovers Perseverance and Curiosity, engineers must calculate forces with extreme precision. The weight of the rover determines the design of its landing system. A heavier rover requires more powerful retrorockets and a more robust parachute to land safely in Mars' thin atmosphere. The weight also affects the rover's mobility and the amount of energy it needs to traverse the Martian surface.
Educational Tool
This calculator is an excellent educational tool. It provides a tangible and relatable way for students to grasp abstract concepts like gravity, mass, and how physical laws apply universally. It makes learning physics more engaging and memorable.

Common Misconceptions and Interesting Facts

  • Is Pluto a Planet?
  • Weight on Gas Giants
  • Gravity on the Sun
Why is the calculation for Jupiter different?
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are gas giants; they don't have a solid surface like Earth. For these planets, 'surface gravity' is calculated at the cloud tops—the point where the atmospheric pressure is the same as Earth's at sea level. So if you were to stand on a platform floating in Jupiter's clouds, you would feel over twice as heavy!
What about the Sun?
The Sun's gravity is immense. Its surface gravity is about 27.9 times that of Earth. A 180-pound person would weigh over 5,000 pounds on the Sun! (Of course, you would be vaporized long before you could step on a scale there.)
Is Weight Constant on Earth?
Your weight even varies slightly on Earth. You weigh slightly less at the equator than at the poles because of the centrifugal force from the Earth's rotation and the fact that the Earth is not a perfect sphere (it bulges at the equator).

The Mathematical Formula Behind the Calculator

  • Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Calculating Surface Gravity
  • The Ratio Method
The calculation used by this tool is a simplified ratio derived from Sir Isaac Newton's foundational physics. Let's break down the math.
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
The force of gravity (F) between two objects is given by the formula F = G (m1 m2) / r², where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between their centers.
Calculating Surface Gravity (g)
An object's weight is the gravitational force exerted on it by a planet. So, for a person on Earth, m1 is the mass of the person and m2 is the mass of the Earth. The term G * mplanet / rplanet² simplifies to the gravitational acceleration, 'g'. For Earth, g ≈ 9.8 m/s².
The Simple Ratio Method
Instead of using the full formula, we can use ratios. We know: WeightEarth = Massperson × gEarth and WeightPlanet = Massperson × gPlanet. By dividing these two equations, we get: (WeightPlanet / WeightEarth) = (gPlanet / gEarth). This ratio (gPlanet / gEarth) is the 'Gravity Factor' you see in the results. The final formula is: WeightPlanet = WeightEarth × (gPlanet / gEarth).

Example Calculation

  • Let's say you weigh 100 lbs on Earth and want to find your weight on Mars.
  • The gravity factor for Mars is 0.38.
  • Calculation: 100 lbs × 0.38 = 38 lbs.
  • You would weigh 38 lbs on Mars.