About
Voltage dividers use two series resistors to drop voltage. Output across R2 = Vin × R2/(R1+R2). Used in sensors, ADC inputs, biasing. Equal resistors = half voltage. Drawback: load current changes output.
Formula
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the Voltage Divider Calculator?
It applies the standard formula. Accuracy is limited only by your input precision. For decisions with material consequences (taxes, medical, legal, structural), use the result as a starting point and verify with a qualified professional in the relevant field.
Is the Voltage Divider Calculator free to use?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no payment, no API key. The site is funded by display ads around the tool but not inside the calculation flow.
Are my inputs saved anywhere?
No. All inputs stay in your browser tab. Closing the tab discards them. The site uses Google Analytics for traffic measurement (anonymized) but the analytics never see what you type into the form.
Can I use the Voltage Divider Calculator on my phone?
Yes. The tool is responsive and tested on iOS Safari, Android Chrome, and major desktop browsers. Touch targets meet Apple's 44pt and Google's 48dp minimum.
Does the Voltage Divider Calculator work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded, it works without internet. The calculation runs in JavaScript on your device.
How do I report a bug or suggest improvement to the Voltage Divider Calculator?
Email hi@3tej.com with the URL of this page and a description of what you saw vs expected. We typically respond within 72 hours.
Can I share results from the Voltage Divider Calculator?
Take a screenshot or copy the output. The page doesn't generate shareable URLs for specific calculations - inputs stay in your browser only.
Why are the results different from another voltage divider tool?
Most likely: different formula assumptions, different default values, different rounding rules, or different applicable rates. Check the methodology if both tools document it. Both can be valid for different scenarios.
Why do resistors burn out?
Exceeded power rating. P = V^2 / R or I^2 x R. A 1/4 watt resistor at 12V across 10 ohms dissipates 14.4 watts - 57x its rating. Always check power dissipation, especially for current-limiting and bleeder resistors.
Can I parallel batteries to get more capacity?
Yes for the same chemistry and voltage. Two 1500 mAh AA batteries in parallel give 3000 mAh at 1.5V. NEVER parallel batteries of different chemistry or charge state - they'll discharge into each other.
How do I read SMD resistor codes?
3-digit: first two are digits, third is multiplier (number of zeros). 472 = 47 x 10^2 = 4700 ohms = 4.7K. 4-digit: first three are digits, fourth is multiplier. 4701 = 470 x 10^1 = 4700 ohms. The R marks the decimal point: 4R7 = 4.7 ohms.
Is 3.3V or 5V better for hobby projects?
Modern microcontrollers (ESP32, RPi Pico, most STM32, ARM Cortex) run at 3.3V. Sensors and modules increasingly come at 3.3V. Use 3.3V for new builds unless you specifically need 5V (legacy Arduino shields, some motor drivers, USB).
What's the difference between AC and DC voltage ratings?
DC is constant; AC is peak voltage. A 'AC 12V' rating typically means RMS (Root Mean Square), so peak is 12 x sqrt(2) = 17V. Components rated for 12V DC may fail on 12V AC. Check spec sheets for AC vs DC rating columns.
Ohm's law - the foundation
V = I x R | I = V / R | R = V / I | P = V x I = I^2 x R = V^2 / R
Where V = volts, I = amperes, R = ohms, P = watts. Memorize this triangle and you can solve 80% of basic circuits.
Resistor color code (4-band)
| Color | Digit | Multiplier | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 0 | 10^0 = 1 | - |
| Brown | 1 | 10^1 = 10 | ±1% (1B) |
| Red | 2 | 10^2 = 100 | ±2% (2B) |
| Orange | 3 | 10^3 = 1k | - |
| Yellow | 4 | 10^4 = 10k | - |
| Green | 5 | 10^5 = 100k | ±0.5% (5B) |
| Blue | 6 | 10^6 = 1M | ±0.25% |
| Violet | 7 | 10^7 = 10M | ±0.1% |
| Grey | 8 | 10^8 | - |
| White | 9 | 10^9 | - |
| Gold | - | 10^-1 | ±5% (4B) |
| Silver | - | 10^-2 | ±10% (4B) |
Read: first 2-3 bands are digits, next band is multiplier, last band is tolerance. Example: Brown-Black-Red-Gold = 1, 0, x100, ±5% = 1000Ω (1kΩ) ±5%.
Series vs parallel resistance
- Series: R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + ...
- Parallel: 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... (always less than the smallest resistor)
- Two parallel: R_total = (R1 x R2) / (R1 + R2)
LED current limiting
LEDs are current-driven devices. Always use a current-limiting resistor:
R = (V_supply - V_forward) / I_forward
Typical forward voltages and currents:
| LED color | V_forward | I_forward (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Red, Orange, Yellow | 1.8-2.2V | 20 mA |
| Green (standard) | 2.0-2.2V | 20 mA |
| Green (pure) | 3.2-3.8V | 20 mA |
| Blue, White | 3.0-3.6V | 20 mA |
| UV | 3.6-4.4V | 20 mA |
| Infrared | 1.2-1.6V | 20-50 mA |
| High-power 1W | 3.0-3.6V | 350 mA |
Example: red LED on 5V supply: R = (5 - 2) / 0.020 = 150Ω. Use 180Ω or 220Ω for safety margin.
555 timer modes
- Monostable: triggered pulse with fixed duration. T = 1.1 x R x C. Used for debouncing, single-shot timers.
- Astable: continuous oscillation. Frequency = 1.44 / ((R1 + 2 x R2) x C). Used for square wave generators, LED blinkers, simple tone makers.
- Bistable: SR latch. State stays until reset.