Voltage Divider Calculator – Output Voltage
Calculate voltage divider output voltage
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the input voltage (Vin)
- Enter resistor 1 value (R1) - the resistor between input and output
- Enter resistor 2 value (R2) - the resistor between output and ground
- Click calculate to see output voltage and circuit current
Voltage Divider Basics
A voltage divider is a simple circuit that produces an output voltage that is a fraction of its input voltage. It consists of two resistors in series connected between an input voltage source and ground.
Voltage dividers are used to create reference voltages, reduce signal levels for measurement, and bias transistors.
Voltage Divider Formula
- Vout = Vin × (R2 / (R1 + R2))
- Where Vout = output voltage
- Vin = input voltage
- R1 = resistor between input and output
- R2 = resistor between output and ground
Applications
- Creating reference voltages
- Signal attenuation
- Sensor interfacing
- Biasing circuits
- Level shifting
- Potentiometers and variable resistors
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a voltage divider used for?
- Voltage dividers create a lower voltage from a higher voltage source. Common uses include creating reference voltages, reducing signal levels for analog-to-digital converters, and biasing transistors.
- Does a voltage divider waste power?
- Yes, voltage dividers continuously draw current and dissipate power as heat. For this reason, they're not efficient for powering loads. Use voltage regulators for better efficiency.
- What happens if I connect a load?
- Connecting a load in parallel with R2 changes the output voltage. The load resistance combines with R2, reducing the effective R2 value and lowering the output voltage. For accurate voltage division, the load resistance should be much higher than R2.
Related Calculators
science
Acceleration Calculator
science
Alcohol Dilution Calculator – Solution Concentration