1. What is a Voltage Divider Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the output voltage of a resistor divider circuit based on input voltage and two resistor values.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers, hobbyists, and students design circuits that require specific voltage levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The input voltage is divided proportionally based on the ratio between R2 and the total resistance (R1 + R2).

3. Importance of Voltage Division

Details: Voltage dividers are fundamental in electronics for creating reference voltages, biasing transistors, and scaling sensor outputs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the input voltage and both resistor values. All values must be positive numbers. The output will be automatically calculated.

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: Can I use this for AC voltage?
A: Yes, but only for instantaneous voltage calculations. For AC, you should consider impedance instead of resistance.

Q3: What's the maximum current through the resistors?
A: I = V_in/(R1 + R2). Ensure resistors can handle this current without overheating.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is theoretically perfect, but real-world factors like resistor tolerance and load effects may affect actual results.

Q5: What if I connect a load to V_out?
A: The load will draw current and effectively create a parallel resistance with R2, changing the voltage division ratio.