Ohm's Law Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the ohm's law calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Voltage

voltage = current * resistance

Power

power = pow(current, 2) * resistance

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
currentCurrent(A)2
resistanceResistance(Ω)10

How It Works

Ohm's Law

Ohm's law is the foundational relationship in circuit analysis, connecting voltage, current, and resistance.

Formula

V = I * R

where V is voltage in volts, I is current in amperes, and R is resistance in ohms. Power dissipated is P = I² * R.

Worked Example

2 amperes flowing through a 10 ohm resistor.

current = 2resistance = 10
  1. 01V = I * R
  2. 02V = 2 * 10
  3. 03V = 20 V
  4. 04P = I² * R = 4 * 10 = 40 W

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ohm's law apply to all materials?

No. Ohm's law applies to ohmic materials where resistance is constant. Non-ohmic devices like diodes and transistors have nonlinear V-I relationships.

What is resistance?

Resistance is the opposition to current flow, measured in ohms. It depends on the material, length, cross-section, and temperature of the conductor.

Can Ohm's law be used for AC circuits?

For AC, impedance (Z) replaces resistance: V = I * Z. Impedance includes resistance plus reactance from capacitors and inductors.

Learn More

Guide

Ohm's Law Guide

A complete guide to Ohm's Law. Learn the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance, with practical examples, the power triangle, and circuit analysis tips.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Ohm's Law Calculator