Linear Regulator Efficiency Calculator
Calculate the efficiency of a linear voltage regulator from input and output voltages.
V
V
A
Efficiency
41.7 %
Power Wasted7.00 W
Power Delivered5.00 W
Efficiency vs Input Voltage
Linear Regulator Efficiency
Formula
Efficiency = V_out / V_in x 100%
Linear regulators are simple and low-noise but waste power as heat. Efficiency depends only on the voltage ratio, not on current. A 12V-to-5V linear regulator is only 42% efficient.
Example Calculation
12 V input, 5 V output, 1 A load.
- 01Efficiency = 5 / 12 x 100 = 41.7%
- 02Power delivered = 5 x 1 = 5 W
- 03Power wasted = (12 - 5) x 1 = 7 W
Frequently Asked Questions
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