Weight vs Mass
Weight and mass are often confused but are fundamentally different. Mass is the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location. Weight is the force of gravity acting on that mass and changes depending on the gravitational field strength. On Jupiter, you would weigh 2.5 times more than on Earth, but your mass would be exactly the same.
Weight is calculated as the product of mass and gravitational acceleration: W = m * g. Earth's surface gravity is approximately 9.81 m/s^2, but this value varies on other celestial bodies based on their mass and radius.
Weight Calculation Formula
Surface Gravity of Solar System Bodies
| Body | Surface Gravity (m/s²) | Relative to Earth |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | 3.70 | 0.378 |
| Venus | 8.87 | 0.907 |
| Earth | 9.81 | 1.000 |
| Moon | 1.62 | 0.166 |
| Mars | 3.72 | 0.377 |
| Jupiter | 24.79 | 2.528 |
| Saturn | 10.44 | 1.065 |
| Uranus | 8.69 | 0.886 |
| Neptune | 11.15 | 1.137 |
| Pluto | 0.62 | 0.063 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Would I really weigh less on Mars?
Yes, you would weigh approximately 37.7% of your Earth weight on Mars. A 70 kg person on Earth would weigh about 26.4 kg-force on Mars. This is because Mars has less mass and a slightly smaller radius than Earth, resulting in weaker surface gravity (3.72 m/s^2 vs 9.81 m/s^2).
Why is Jupiter's gravity so strong?
Jupiter is the most massive planet in our solar system, with a mass 318 times that of Earth. Although its radius is about 11 times Earth's radius (which reduces surface gravity), its enormous mass more than compensates, giving it a surface gravity 2.53 times Earth's. You would feel extremely heavy on Jupiter.
Does gravity affect the Sun?
The Sun's surface gravity is about 274 m/s^2, or 28 times that of Earth. A 70 kg person would weigh about 1,960 kg-force on the Sun's surface (if it were possible to stand there). Neutron stars have even more extreme gravity, millions of times Earth's surface gravity.