PCB Via Current Calculator
Estimate the current carrying capacity of a PCB via based on its dimensions and allowed temperature rise.
mm
µm
mm
°C
Current Capacity
2.97 A
Cross-Section73.0 mils²
Via Resistance22.75 mΩ
Current Capacity vs Via Outer Diameter
PCB Via Current Capacity
Approach
A via is a hollow copper cylinder. Its cross-section is:
A = pi x D x t_plating
Apply the IPC-2221 trace formula to this cross-section to estimate current capacity. For high current, use multiple vias in parallel.
Example Calculation
0.6 mm diameter via, 25 um plating, 1.6 mm board, 10C rise.
- 01Circumference = pi x 0.6 / 0.0254 = 74.2 mils
- 02Plating = 25 / 25.4 = 0.984 mils
- 03Area = 74.2 x 0.984 = 73.0 mils^2
- 04Current = 0.048 x 10^0.44 x 73^0.725 = ~2.8 A
Frequently Asked Questions
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