Current Calculator

Calculate electrical current using Ohm's Law.

Engineering

A Direct Application of Ohm's Law

This calculator finds the electrical current (measured in Amperes or 'Amps') flowing through a simple circuit when you provide the voltage and resistance. It's a fundamental calculation for anyone studying or working with electronics, from hobbyists to professional engineers.

The Ohm's Law Formula Explained

Ohm's Law states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points. I = V / R

  • I (Current): The flow of electric charge, measured in Amperes (A).
  • V (Voltage): The electrical potential difference, measured in Volts (V).
  • R (Resistance): The opposition to the flow of current, measured in Ohms (Ω).

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Voltage (V): Enter the voltage of your power source.
  2. Resistance (Ω): Enter the resistance of the component or circuit.
  3. Calculate: The tool will display the resulting current in Amperes (A).

Real-World Example

You connect a 100-Ohm resistor to a 9-Volt battery.

  • Voltage (V): 9 V
  • Resistance (R): 100 Ω
  • Calculation: I = 9 V / 100 Ω = 0.09 A
  • A current of 0.09 Amperes (or 90 milliamperes) will flow through the resistor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is current? You can think of it like the flow rate of water in a pipe. Voltage is like the water pressure, and resistance is like the narrowness of the pipe. Higher pressure or a wider pipe results in more flow.
  • Does this work for AC circuits? Ohm's Law still applies to AC circuits, but it becomes more complex. In AC circuits, the total opposition to current flow is called 'impedance', which includes resistance and reactance (opposition from capacitors and inductors). This calculator is for simple DC circuits.
  • What if I need to find voltage or resistance? You can rearrange the formula: V = I * R and R = V / I. Our more comprehensive Ohm's Law Calculator can solve for any of the variables.