We present a model calculation of the acceleration of gravity in an ellipsoidal mass with nonuniform density. Using parameters resembling that of the earth’s dimensions and mass density, we are able to account for most of the observed variation of the acceleration of gravity at the pole and the equator which is not related to rotational effects. The nonuniformity of the density of mass, when considered with the ellipsoidal flattening of the earth, is one of the most important factors to be considered when explaining the difference of the acceleration of gravity at the pole and equator. A simple model of a flattened earth with a uniform mass density does not give a reasonable explanation for this variation of the gravitational acceleration.