1. What is a Voltage Divider Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the output voltage from a simple resistor voltage divider circuit.

Purpose: It helps electronics hobbyists and engineers design circuits that require reduced 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 of R2 to the total resistance (R1 + R2).

3. Importance of Voltage Division

Details: Voltage dividers are fundamental in electronics for creating reference voltages, biasing transistors, and interfacing different voltage level circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the input voltage and both resistor values. All values must be positive numbers. The output will always be less than the input voltage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the maximum current through the resistors?
A: I = V_in / (R1 + R2). Choose resistor wattages that can handle this current.

Q2: Can I use this for AC voltage?
A: Yes, but only for instantaneous voltage calculations. For AC, consider impedance instead of resistance.

Q3: What if I know V_out and need to find resistors?
A: Choose either R1 or R2, then solve for the other using the rearranged formula.

Q4: How accurate is this in practice?
A: Accuracy depends on resistor tolerance and load effects. Add a buffer for critical applications.

Q5: What's a typical use case?
A: Creating 3.3V from 5V for logic level conversion (use R1=1.7kΩ and R2=3.3kΩ).