Technology
Resistive voltage divider
Find the unloaded output voltage of a two-resistor voltage divider.
Calculators / Technology / Resistor power dissipation
Resistor power dissipation calculator
Find power dissipated by a resistor from the voltage directly across it.
On this page
Dissipated power0.14W
Resistor current0.01A
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Find power dissipated by a resistor from the voltage directly across it.
Dissipated power = v^2/r W; Resistor current = v/r A
Worked example
Resistor voltage (V): 12; Resistance (Ω): 1000.
Dissipated power: 0.14 W; Resistor current: 0.01 A.
Assumptions and limits
Uses ideal components and the units shown. This calculation does not establish component ratings, wiring safety or regulatory compliance. Rated power also depends on temperature, mounting and derating.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Find power dissipated by a resistor from the voltage directly across it.
When this tool is useful
Dissipated power = v^2/r W; Resistor current = v/r A
Understanding your inputs
| Input | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Resistor voltage (V) | Enter a number of at least -1000000000000 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Resistance (Ω) | Enter a number of at least 1e-12 and no more than 1000000000000. |
Frequently asked questions
What assumptions does this calculation use?
Uses ideal components and the units shown. This calculation does not establish component ratings, wiring safety or regulatory compliance. Rated power also depends on temperature, mounting and derating.
How is the result calculated?
Dissipated power = v^2/r W; Resistor current = v/r A