How this calculator works
Mass measures inertia and stays the same when moving between worlds. Gravitational weight is mass multiplied by local gravitational acceleration. An Earth-calibrated spring scale would express that different force as a different mass-equivalent reading. Planet presets use NASA mean gravity; Earth uses standard gravity. Values are rounded: latitude, altitude and planetary rotation change local apparent weight. Gas-giant values refer to a conventional atmospheric reference level, not a solid surface.
Formula
W = m g_world; Earth-scale equivalent = W/9.80665; m = W/g_world.
Worked example
A 10 kg object has a gravitational weight of 37.3 N on Mars using 3.73 m/s². A lunar gravitational weight of 16.2 N corresponds to a mass of 10 kg using 1.62 m/s².
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Frequently asked questions
Would I lose mass on the Moon?
No. Your mass stays the same; weaker gravity reduces your gravitational weight.
Can a bathroom scale display kilograms on another planet?
An Earth-calibrated force scale displays a mass equivalent based on Earth gravity. It is not a direct measurement of unchanged mass there.
Could I stand on Jupiter?
Jupiter has no solid surface at the quoted reference level. Its tabulated gravity is a comparison value.
Sources
- NASA: planetary fact sheets and individual gravity definitions
- NASA: Moon fact sheet
- NASA: Jovian satellite data
- NASA: mercury fact sheet (mean gravity)
- NASA: venus fact sheet (mean gravity)
- NASA: mars fact sheet (mean gravity)
- NASA: jupiter fact sheet (mean gravity)
- NASA: saturn fact sheet (mean gravity)
- NASA: uranus fact sheet (mean gravity)
- NASA: neptune fact sheet (mean gravity)
- NASA: pluto fact sheet (mean gravity)
- NIST SP 811: conversion factors