Use this electronics calculation for a first-pass component, converter, signal, motor, or sensor estimate when the stated operating conditions and units match the device data.

Load current (A)

Required number input.

Ripple current (A)

Required number input.

Compute RMS inductor current as sqrt(I_load^2 + I_ripple^2 / 12) for a triangular ripple waveform. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

RMS current (A)

The resulting rms current returned as a number.

• Inductor calculations depend on core material, air gap, turns, frequency, waveform, temperature, DC bias, copper resistance, skin and proximity effects, fringing, and saturation definition. Small-signal inductance and nominal current rating may not describe switching operation.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Check the result against the current datasheet and worst-case operating corners, then verify the circuit or measurement with simulation and bench testing where failure matters.

• Peak Inductor Current

  Compute peak inductor current as the load current plus half of the inductor ripple current.

• ESR Power Loss

  Compute capacitor ESR power dissipation as RMS ripple current squared times equivalent series resistance.

• Fuse Clearing Time

  Approximate clearing time from a fuse's specified clearing I²t at constant prospective RMS fault current; actual waveform and arc time may differ.