Calculate power dissipated by a resistor using Ohm's Law.
Circuit Parameters
Power Calculation
Enter parameters to calculate
About this calculator
Quick Reference
PPower in Watts (W)
VVoltage in Volts (V)
ICurrent in Amperes (A)
RResistance in Ohms (Ω)
Overview
This calculator determines the power dissipated by a resistor. This is crucial for selecting a resistor with an appropriate wattage rating to prevent overheating and failure.
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Pro Tips
Always choose a resistor with a wattage rating higher than the calculated value (e.g., 2x safety factor).
Power relates to heat; more power means more heat generated.
Ohm's Law (V=IR) is key to these derivations.
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Fun Facts
"A 1/4 watt resistor is the most common size for through-hole electronics."
"Resistors that get too hot can change their resistance value permanently or burn out."
"Power is the rate at which energy is used or dissipated."
