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Voltage drop calculator

Voltage lost along a copper or aluminium cable, and whether the cable is thick enough.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Works on any device

About Voltage drop calculator

Find how much voltage a cable loses over its length, using resistance of copper or aluminium, the current and the run. The drop is current times resistance, doubled for the out and back path. Many codes recommend keeping it under about 3 to 5 percent, and thicker cable reduces it.

How to use Voltage drop calculator

  1. Choose copper or aluminium and enter the cable size.
  2. Enter the cable length, current and supply voltage.
  3. Read the voltage drop and whether the cable is thick enough.

Why use this tool?

Also known as

Frequently asked questions

How can I reduce voltage drop in a long cable?

Use a thicker conductor, shorten the run, or raise the supply voltage. Copper has lower resistance than aluminium of the same size.

What voltage drop is acceptable?

Many standards suggest keeping it within a few percent of the supply voltage, but limits differ by country and use. Check your local wiring rules.

Do I count the cable length one way or both?

Current flows out and back, so the circuit uses twice the one-way distance. Check how the tool asks for length and enter it accordingly.

Is Voltage drop calculator free?

Yes. Voltage drop calculator on Toolipedia is free to use, with no sign-up and no watermark.

Is it safe to use?

Yes. Everything is worked out in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent to our server.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. It works in any modern browser on Android and iPhone, as well as on tablets and computers. There's nothing to install.

Do I need an account?

No. Just open the page and use the tool. There's no sign-up and no email needed.

Can I put Voltage drop calculator on my own website?

Yes. Use the Embed on your site button under the tool to copy a short piece of code and paste it into your page. It is free, needs no account, and the tool keeps working inside your page.

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