Potentiometer Divider Calculator

Summary

A potentiometer wired as a voltage divider splits its total resistance into two parts at the wiper, producing an output voltage between 0 V and the supply voltage. This calculator computes that output from the supply voltage, the potentiometer's total resistance, and the wiper position, and it can also factor in a load resistor connected to the wiper so the result matches a real circuit instead of an ideal unloaded one.

How it works

1. Enter the supply voltage applied across the two outer terminals of the potentiometer.
2. Enter the potentiometer's total resistance and pick the unit (ohms, kilohms, or megohms).
3. Set the wiper position as a percentage, from 0% (bottom terminal) to 100% (top terminal).
4. Optionally enter a load resistance connected from the wiper to the bottom terminal.
5. The tool computes the two sub-resistances at the wiper and the resulting output voltage.

Use cases

• Set a trimmer potentiometer to a target reference voltage for a circuit.
• Check how much a load resistor pulls down the output of a volume or level pot.
• Design a voltage divider for a sensor bias or calibration input.
• Verify wiper position math before building a physical prototype.
• Teach how a three-terminal potentiometer behaves as a divider versus a rheostat.
• Estimate current draw through a pot at a given supply voltage.

Frequently Asked Questions