Voltage and Current Divider Calculator

Divider Equations:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \] \[ I1 = I_{total} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \]

Input Type:

Input Voltage (V_in):

Total Current (I_total):

Resistor 1 (R1):

Resistor 2 (R2):

Output:

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1. What is a Voltage and Current Divider?

A voltage divider is a simple circuit that turns a large voltage into a smaller one. A current divider does the same for current. Both use two resistors in series to divide the input voltage or current proportionally.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equations:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \] \[ I1 = I_{total} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \]

Where:

\( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (V)
\( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (V)
\( I1 \) — Current through R1 (A)
\( I_{total} \) — Total current (A)
\( R1, R2 \) — Resistor values (Ω)

Explanation: The output is proportional to the ratio of R2 to the total resistance.

3. Practical Applications

Details: Voltage dividers are used in level shifting, sensor reading, and reference voltage creation. Current dividers are used in parallel resistor networks and current distribution.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select divider type (voltage/current), enter input value (V_in or I_total), and both resistor values. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if R1 = R2?
A: For voltage divider, output will be exactly half of input. For current divider, current will split equally.

Q2: Can I use this for AC signals?
A: Yes, but only for amplitude calculations at a single frequency (impedance becomes frequency-dependent).

Q3: What's the maximum current/voltage I can use?
A: Limited by resistor power ratings (P = I²R or V²/R). Exceeding ratings may damage components.

Q4: How accurate are these calculations?
A: Perfectly accurate for ideal resistors. Real-world factors like tolerance and temperature affect results.

Q5: What if I need more than two resistors?
A: For voltage divider, add resistors in series. For current divider, use parallel resistor formulas.