Created By : Vaibhavi Kumari

Reviewed By : Phani Ponnapalli

Last Updated : May 14, 2023


In a matter of seconds, our free Voltage Divider Calculator calculates the output voltage for the given data. To obtain the result, simply fill in the divider type, input voltage, and other required information, and then press the calculate button.

Choose divider type
Input voltage(V1):
Resistance 1(R1):
Resistance 2(R2):

What is Voltage Divider Rule?

A voltage divider circuit is a basic circuit that uses a pair of resistors to convert a higher voltage to a lower value. The output-to-input voltage ratio should never be greater than one. The voltage divider circuit in its most basic form is shown here

Impedances Z1, Z2 are used here. Resistance R, capacitance C, and inductance L are related to impedances. The following are the most common voltage dividers

  • Resistive divider RR
  • Capacitive divider CC
  • Inductive divider LL
  • RC and CR divider (RC, CR filters)
  • RL and LR divider (RL, LR filters)
  • CL and LC divider (CL, LC filters)

Voltage Divider Rule

Voltage dividers are used in circuits where the current running through numerous devices connected in series is constant but the voltage is divided. The RR divider can be used in DC circuits. Capacitance acts as a gap in the circuit, and impedance can be regarded with zero resistivity.

For impedances, the general voltage divider formula is V₂ = Z₂ / (Z₁ + Z₂) x V₁

  • The formula for RR divider type is V₂ = R₂ / (R₁ + R₂) * V₁
  • The CC divider type formula is V₂ = C₂ / (C₁ + C₂) * V₁
  • The inductive divider equation is V₂ = L₂ / (L₁ + L₂) * V₁
  • For RC Filter, The voltage divider formula is |V₂| = |V₁ / (jωRC + 1)| = |V₁| / √((ωRC)² + 1)
  • The voltage divider for CR circuit is |V₂| = |jωRC / (jωRC + 1) * V₁| = ωRC / √((ωRC)² + 1) * |V₁|
  • For RL circuit, |V₂| = |jωL / (R + jωL) * V₁| = ωL / √(R² + (ωL)²) * |V₁|
  • For LR circuit, |V₂| = |R / (R + jωL) * V₁| = R / √(R² + (ωL)²) * |V₁|

Here, V₁, V₂ are the amplitudes of the signals. Potentiometers, level shifters, resistive sensor reading, and other devices can all benefit from the voltage divider.

Applications of Voltage Divider

  • A potentiometer is one of the most often used devices that work on the voltage divider principle. A rheostat is another term for this component. They're often composed entirely of resistive components. We can distinguish between analogue and digital ones, but the resistance may be controlled with extreme precision in either case. Slide pots, trimpots, and thumb pots are some of the most common forms of potentiometers, and they vary in size and construction. A sliding contact is a key component that allows the output resistance to be adjusted.
  • Devices for measuring high voltages - It turns out that measuring high voltages is conceivable, even though direct measurement can be damaging to the device. In that instance, using the voltage divider to reduce the voltage to a safe level is a good idea. It is preferable to utilize capacitive rather than resistive capacitors at extremely high voltages (say, exceeding 100 kV)
  • Determine unknown resistance - Is it possible to detect an unknown resistance using simply a voltage source and a known resistance resistor? If you can understand its colour code, you're lucky, but what if there isn't one? Simply connect both resistors in series, establish an input voltage, then measure the voltage across the desired resistor. After that, simply enter all of these values into the voltage divider calculator, and voilà, the enigma is solved. To find R2 as an unknown parameter, you may always use the general voltage divider equation: R2 = V2 / (V1 - V2) x R1

Voltage Divider Examples

Question 1. Calculate the output voltage of a voltage divider circuit with resistances of 28 Ω and 34 Ω and an input voltage of 15 volts.

Solution:

Given: Resistances R₁ = 28 Ω, R₂ = 34 Ω

Input voltage V₁ = 15 V

Voltage divider formula for output voltage is V₂ = R₂ / (R₁ + R₂) x V₁

V₂ = 34 / (28 + 34) x 15

= 8.22

Therefore, the output voltage is 8.22 v.

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.com to get quick answers by using this free tool.

FAQs on Voltage Divider

1. When might a voltage divider be appropriate?

Voltage dividers are used to modify a signal's level, bias active components in amplifiers, and measure voltages. Voltage dividers are found on a Wheatstone bridge and a multimeter.


2. Is it the alternator or the voltage regulator that's causing the problem?

The voltage regulator (also known as an alternator voltage regulator) is responsible for providing a constant and consistent voltage to your vehicle's battery and other electrical components.


3. What exactly is a voltage divider?

A voltage divider is a basic electric circuit that can produce an output voltage from a given input voltage. The potential divider is another name for it.


4. What is the rule of voltage divider?

The current flowing through the circuit's various parts is constant, but the voltage is shared. This rule can be used to calculate the exact voltage value in each element. It's a tool for resolving basic circuits.


5. How does a voltage divider affect current?

The same divider will produce 4 volts if the power supply is 12 volts. The output voltage will be the same if R1 is 200 ohms and R2 is 100 ohms, but the current will be greater.