Voltage Divider Calculator

Voltage Divider Formula:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \]

Output Voltage (V_out): volts

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is a Voltage Divider?

Definition: A voltage divider is a simple circuit that converts a large voltage into a smaller one using two resistors in series.

Purpose: It's commonly used in electronics to create reference voltages, reduce signal levels, and interface between different voltage circuits.

2. How Does the Voltage Divider Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \]

Where:

\( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (volts)
\( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (volts)
\( R1 \) — First resistor value (ohms)
\( R2 \) — Second resistor value (ohms)

Explanation: The output voltage is proportional to the ratio of R2 to the total resistance (R1 + R2).

3. Importance of Voltage Dividers

Details: Voltage dividers are fundamental in circuit design for creating specific voltage levels, sensor interfacing, and biasing transistors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the input voltage and both resistor values. All values must be > 0. The output will be the voltage at the point between R1 and R2.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if R1 equals R2?
A: The output voltage will be exactly half of the input voltage (V_out = V_in/2).

Q2: How does load affect the voltage divider?
A: Any load connected to V_out effectively parallels R2, changing the divider ratio. For accurate results, the load impedance should be much larger than R2.

Q3: What's the maximum current through the divider?
A: I = V_in/(R1 + R2). Choose resistor values that won't overheat at this current.

Q4: Can I use this for AC signals?
A: Yes, the same principle applies to AC voltages as long as the frequency isn't so high that parasitic effects dominate.

Q5: What are typical applications?
A: Creating reference voltages, scaling sensor outputs, reducing voltage for ADC inputs, and biasing transistor bases.