Bookmarks    
nPr and nCr    
Random Number    
SD Calculator    
Sample Size    
Percent Error    
Density    
Molarity    
Molar Mass    
Ohm's Law    
Watts to Amps    
Voltage Drop    
Long Division    
Mixed Numbers    
Rounding    
Nth Root    
Exponents    
Half-Life    
Polar Form    
De Moivre    
3D Distance    
Point to Line    
Cross Product    
Determinant    
Sin Cos Tan    
Triangle Area    
Scale Factor    
Sector Area    
Ellipse Area    
Cube Volume    
Box Volume    
Sphere Volume    
Cone Volume    
Pipe Volume    
Time Duration    
Time Card    
Present Value    
Future Value    
Churn Rate    
A/B Test Calc    
SEO Traffic    
Ideal Weight    
Fat Intake    
Child Height    
Golf Handicap    
Heat Index    
Wind Chill    
Dew Point    
Download Time    
kWh to Cost    
AC Size (BTU)    
Heating Costs    
LED Savings    
Trip Gas Cost    
Tire Size    
Solar Output    
Solar Payback    
Battery Size    
Wall Area    
Gravel Needed    
Mortar Mix    
Slope Grade    
Curtain Size    
Soil Needed    
Sod Needed    
Ramp Length    
Blind Size    
Drain Slope    
Board Feet    
Heat Loss    
Furniture Fit    
Moving Boxes    
Plywood Cuts    
Shelf Sag    
   Add
Probability and random number calculators
Independent Events
Independent Events
Two Events Solver
Two Events Solver
Repeated Trials
Repeated Trials
Bayes' Theorem
Bayes' Theorem
Expected Value
Expected Value
Binomial Distribution
Binomial Distribution
nPr and nCr
nPr and nCr
Circular Permutation
Circular Permutation
With Repetition
With Repetition
Random Number
Random Number
Averages and statistics calculators
Average Calculator
Average Calculator
Mean Median Mode
Mean Median Mode
SD Calculator
SD Calculator
Quartiles & IQR
Quartiles & IQR
Frequency Table
Frequency Table
Correlation (r)
Correlation (r)
Normal Probability
Normal Probability
Z-Score Calculator
Z-Score Calculator
Confidence Interval
Confidence Interval
Sample Size
Sample Size
Mark & Recapture
Mark & Recapture
P-Value Calculator
P-Value Calculator
Percentage and ratio calculators
Percentage Calc
Percentage Calc
Percent Change
Percent Change
Percent Difference
Percent Difference
Percent Error
Percent Error
Ratio Calculator
Ratio Calculator
Discount Calculator
Discount Calculator
Sales Tax Calculator
Sales Tax Calculator
Margin Calculator
Margin Calculator
Speed calculators
Speed Calculator
Speed Calculator
Density and concentration calculators
Density
Density
Molarity
Molarity
Molar Mass
Molar Mass
Physics and electricity calculators
Ohm's Law
Ohm's Law
Watts to Amps
Watts to Amps
Resistor Colors
Resistor Colors
Voltage Drop
Voltage Drop
Unit conversion calculators
Weight Converter
Weight Converter
Shoe Size Converter
Shoe Size Converter
Integer and signed number calculators
Long Division
Long Division
LCM Calculator
LCM Calculator
GCF Calculator
GCF Calculator
Integer Calculator
Integer Calculator
Prime Factorization
Prime Factorization
Diophantine Solver
Diophantine Solver
Modulo Calculator
Modulo Calculator
Factor Calculator
Factor Calculator
Roman Numerals
Roman Numerals
Fraction, decimal and rounding calculators
Fraction Calculator
Fraction Calculator
Mixed Numbers
Mixed Numbers
Simplify Fractions
Simplify Fractions
Fraction to Decimal
Fraction to Decimal
Decimal to Fraction
Decimal to Fraction
Rounding
Rounding
Equation and inequality calculators
Linear Equation
Linear Equation
Linear Systems
Linear Systems
Quadratic Formula
Quadratic Formula
Absolute Value
Absolute Value
Quadratic Inequality
Quadratic Inequality
Polynomial calculators
Binomial Theorem
Binomial Theorem
Square root and nth root calculators
Simplify Radicals
Simplify Radicals
Nth Root
Nth Root
Exponent and logarithm calculators
Exponents
Exponents
Log Calculator
Log Calculator
Number of Digits
Number of Digits
Scientific Notation
Scientific Notation
Sci. Notation Math
Sci. Notation Math
Half-Life
Half-Life
Complex number calculators
Complex Numbers
Complex Numbers
Polar Form
Polar Form
De Moivre
De Moivre
Function and graph calculators
Slope Calculator
Slope Calculator
Linear Function
Linear Function
Direct & Inverse Variation
Direct & Inverse Variation
y = ax² Calculator
y = ax² Calculator
Distance Formula
Distance Formula
3D Distance
3D Distance
Section Formula
Section Formula
Point to Line
Point to Line
Lat/Long Distance
Lat/Long Distance
Complete the Square
Complete the Square
Circle Equation
Circle Equation
Conic Sections
Conic Sections
Polar Coordinates
Polar Coordinates
Sequence calculators
Arithmetic Sequence
Arithmetic Sequence
Geometric Sequence
Geometric Sequence
Fibonacci Sequence
Fibonacci Sequence
Recurrence Relation
Recurrence Relation
Vector calculators
Vector Calculator
Vector Calculator
Cross Product
Cross Product
Matrix calculators
Matrix Calculator
Matrix Calculator
Determinant
Determinant
Inverse Matrix
Inverse Matrix
Plane geometry calculators
Sin Cos Tan
Sin Cos Tan
Degrees ⇔ Radians
Degrees ⇔ Radians
a sin θ + b cos θ
a sin θ + b cos θ
Triangle Solver
Triangle Solver
Triangle Area
Triangle Area
Right Triangle
Right Triangle
Pythagorean Theorem
Pythagorean Theorem
Polygon Angles
Polygon Angles
Scale Factor
Scale Factor
Parallel Lines
Parallel Lines
Rectangle Area
Rectangle Area
Parallelogram Area
Parallelogram Area
Trapezoid Area
Trapezoid Area
Circle Calculator
Circle Calculator
Sector Area
Sector Area
Inscribed Angle
Inscribed Angle
Ellipse Area
Ellipse Area
Solid geometry calculators
Cube Volume
Cube Volume
Cube Surface Area
Cube Surface Area
Box Volume
Box Volume
Box Surface Area
Box Surface Area
Cylinder Volume
Cylinder Volume
Cylinder Surface
Cylinder Surface
Sphere Volume
Sphere Volume
Sphere Surface
Sphere Surface
Spherical Cap Volume
Spherical Cap Volume
Cap Surface Area
Cap Surface Area
Ellipsoid Volume
Ellipsoid Volume
Ellipsoid Surface
Ellipsoid Surface
Pyramid Volume
Pyramid Volume
Pyramid Surface
Pyramid Surface
Cone Volume
Cone Volume
Cone Surface Area
Cone Surface Area
Frustum Volume
Frustum Volume
Frustum Surface Area
Frustum Surface Area
Pipe Volume
Pipe Volume
Capsule Volume
Capsule Volume
Capsule Surface Area
Capsule Surface Area
Date and time calculators
Age Calculator
Age Calculator
Days Between Dates
Days Between Dates
Date Calculator
Date Calculator
Hours From Now
Hours From Now
Day of the Week
Day of the Week
Time Calculator
Time Calculator
Time Zone Converter
Time Zone Converter
Hours Calculator
Hours Calculator
Time Duration
Time Duration
Time Card
Time Card
Finance and economics calculators
Compound Interest
Compound Interest
Simple Interest
Simple Interest
Interest Calculator
Interest Calculator
TVM Calculator
TVM Calculator
Present Value
Present Value
Future Value
Future Value
ROI Calculator
ROI Calculator
IRR Calculator
IRR Calculator
Payback Period
Payback Period
Average Return
Average Return
GDP Calculator
GDP Calculator
Web marketing and ad metric calculators
CTR Calculator
CTR Calculator
Conversion Rate
Conversion Rate
CPC, CPM & CPA
CPC, CPM & CPA
ROAS Calculator
ROAS Calculator
Break-Even CPA
Break-Even CPA
LTV Calculator
LTV Calculator
CAC Calculator
CAC Calculator
Churn Rate
Churn Rate
A/B Test Calc
A/B Test Calc
A/B Sample Size
A/B Sample Size
SEO Traffic
SEO Traffic
Break-Even Point
Break-Even Point
Markup vs. Margin
Markup vs. Margin
CAGR Calculator
CAGR Calculator
Health and fitness calculators
BMI Calculator
BMI Calculator
Sleep Calculator
Sleep Calculator
Calorie Calculator
Calorie Calculator
BMR Calculator
BMR Calculator
TDEE Calculator
TDEE Calculator
Ideal Weight
Ideal Weight
Body Fat Calculator
Body Fat Calculator
Lean Body Mass
Lean Body Mass
Calories Burned
Calories Burned
Protein Intake
Protein Intake
Macro Calculator
Macro Calculator
Carb Calculator
Carb Calculator
Fat Intake
Fat Intake
Child Height
Child Height
Sports calculators
Golf Handicap
Golf Handicap
Pace Calculator
Pace Calculator
1RM Calculator
1RM Calculator
Target Heart Rate
Target Heart Rate
Weather calculators
Heat Index
Heat Index
Wind Chill
Wind Chill
Dew Point
Dew Point
Computer calculators
Base Converter
Base Converter
Subnet Calculator
Subnet Calculator
Download Time
Download Time
Household energy and budget calculators
Electricity Cost
Electricity Cost
kWh to Cost
kWh to Cost
Yearly kWh to Cost
Yearly kWh to Cost
AC Size (BTU)
AC Size (BTU)
AC Running Cost
AC Running Cost
Heating Costs
Heating Costs
Gas vs Electric
Gas vs Electric
LED Savings
LED Savings
Salary Calculator
Salary Calculator
Budget Calculator
Budget Calculator
Car calculators
Trip Gas Cost
Trip Gas Cost
EV Charging Cost
EV Charging Cost
EV vs Gas Cost
EV vs Gas Cost
MPG Calculator
MPG Calculator
Tire Size
Tire Size
Solar power and battery calculators
Solar Output
Solar Output
Solar Panel Count
Solar Panel Count
Solar Payback
Solar Payback
Battery Size
Battery Size
Home and DIY calculators
Tile Calculator
Tile Calculator
Stair Calculator
Stair Calculator
Concrete Volume
Concrete Volume
Wall Area
Wall Area
Wallpaper Rolls
Wallpaper Rolls
Paint Calculator
Paint Calculator
Flooring Needed
Flooring Needed
Exterior Walls
Exterior Walls
Gravel Needed
Gravel Needed
Mortar Mix
Mortar Mix
Slope Grade
Slope Grade
Lumber Cut List
Lumber Cut List
Lot Coverage/FAR
Lot Coverage/FAR
Sheet Vinyl Roll
Sheet Vinyl Roll
Insulation Needed
Insulation Needed
Curtain Size
Curtain Size
TV Size & Distance
TV Size & Distance
Soil Needed
Soil Needed
Sod Needed
Sod Needed
Block Calculator
Block Calculator
Brick Calculator
Brick Calculator
Deck Materials
Deck Materials
Ramp Length
Ramp Length
Pilot Hole Size
Pilot Hole Size
Room Ventilation
Room Ventilation
Paint Thinning
Paint Thinning
Baseboard & Trim
Baseboard & Trim
Blind Size
Blind Size
Picture Hanging
Picture Hanging
Drain Slope
Drain Slope
Screw Calculator
Screw Calculator
Board Feet
Board Feet
Fence Calculator
Fence Calculator
Wood Shrinkage
Wood Shrinkage
Caulk Calculator
Caulk Calculator
Heat Loss
Heat Loss
Furniture Fit
Furniture Fit
Moving Boxes
Moving Boxes
Storage Capacity
Storage Capacity
Plywood Cuts
Plywood Cuts
Shelf Sag
Shelf Sag

Voltage Drop Calculator (Wire Size, Length and Current)

Enter the wiring system, the wire size (or its resistance per length), the source voltage, the one-way length and the current. The voltage drop, the percent drop and the voltage at the load end are calculated.

"From wire size" uses a simplified formula for copper wire only (resistance of copper about 0.0178 Ω per meter for 1 mm²). For aluminum and other wire, choose "from wire resistance" and use the conductor resistance from the specs. All values must be numbers greater than 0.
Result and graph
Enter the wiring system, wire size, one-way length, current and other values on the left and press "Calculate". The result and a graph will appear here.

What you can do on this page

  • From the wire size (AWG, or the area in circular mils), the one-way length and the current, find the voltage drop (V), the percent voltage drop (%) and the voltage at the load end, all at once
  • Uses the standard US method for copper wire, \(e = \dfrac{2 K L I}{A}\) for a single-phase circuit, with \(K = 12.9\) Ω·cmil/ft. Single-phase 2-wire, single-phase 3-wire, three-phase 3-wire, three-phase 4-wire and DC are supported
  • Just pick the wire size from the "common wire sizes" list (14 AWG to 500 kcmil) and the area in circular mils is filled in for you
  • For aluminum or special wire, calculate directly from the conductor resistance in the specs (Ω/1000 ft, Ω/ft or mΩ/ft) with the "from wire resistance" mode. Two to four parallel conductors are also supported
  • Along with the result, a graph shows how the voltage drop grows with length (with a guide line at 5% of the source voltage)
  • To work in mm² and meters, switch "Units" above the calculator to Metric (the metric side uses the simplified copper formula \(e = \dfrac{35.6 L I}{1000 A}\))
This calculator is a guide for learning and for planning. The US National Electrical Code (NEC) recommends, in informational notes rather than as a requirement, a voltage drop of no more than 3% on a branch circuit and no more than 5% in total for the feeder and branch circuit together. Electrical work on a building's wiring should be done by a licensed electrician, following local codes and permits.

What is this calculation used for?

Preparing for electrician licensing exams (study)

"What is the voltage drop on a 120 V circuit with 12 AWG copper, a one-way length of 100 ft and a load of 16 A?" Voltage drop problems like this come up again and again on journeyman and master electrician exams. The answer is \(2 \times 12.9 \times 16 \times 100 \div 6530 \approx 6.32\) V, about 5.27%, which is over the recommended 3%. Going up to 10 AWG gives about 3.98 V (3.31%), and 8 AWG gives about 2.50 V (2.08%).
Working through a few versions by hand builds a feel for the structure of the formula: the drop is proportional to the length and the current, and inversely proportional to the wire area.

A first estimate of the wire size for a long run (electrical design)

When you feed a detached garage or workshop far from the panel, the voltage drop can get too large if the wire stays small. For example, a 240 V, 30 A circuit run 150 ft one way with 10 AWG copper drops about 11.2 V (4.66%). With 6 AWG copper, the drop is about 4.42 V (1.84%).
Real designs also check ampacity, the installation conditions and local codes, but this formula is what people use to get a first idea of whether a wire size is enough for a given distance and current.

Low-voltage DC wiring for solar and batteries

In 12 V and 24 V systems for RVs, boats and solar setups, voltage drop matters much more than in 120 V house wiring. For example, 10 AWG wire run 10 ft one way at 20 A drops about 0.50 V, which is about 4.1% of 12 V (on a 120 V circuit the same drop would be only about 0.41%).
You can see in numbers the golden rule of DC wiring: the lower the voltage, the thicker the wire you need.

Why long extension cords lower the voltage

Run 10 A (a device of about 1200 W) through a 50 ft extension cord with 16 AWG wire (2,580 cmil), and the voltage drop is \(2 \times 12.9 \times 10 \times 50 \div 2580 = 5.0\) V. Even with 120 V at the outlet, the device gets only about 115 V. This is why power tools and heaters lose power on long, thin cords.
A thin cord carrying a large current can also overheat, so use a heavier cord (a lower AWG number) for high-current tools and keep cords as short as you can.

Planning a 240 V circuit for EV charging

Installing a 240 V circuit for a Level 2 EV charger often involves a long run from the panel to the garage or driveway. For example, a 40 A charger fed with 6 AWG copper over a one-way length of 75 ft has a drop of about 2.95 V (1.23%), well within 3%.
The work itself is a job for a licensed electrician, but this calculation helps you understand a quote or compare where to put the charger.

Formulas and figures

Voltage drop formula (single-phase 2-wire and DC)
Figure
Standard notation (the usual math form)
\(e\) \(=\) \(2\) \(\times\) \(K\) \(\times\) \(L\) \(\times\) \(I\) \(\div\) \(A\)
In words (symbols replaced with words)
⑥ \(e\): voltage drop \(=\) ① multiplier 2 \(\times\) ② \(K\): 12.9 for copper \(\times\) ③ \(L\): one-way length \(\times\) ④ \(I\): current \(\div\) ⑤ \(A\): wire area
The formula in words
① For single-phase 2-wire and DC, take the multiplier 2 (out and back)
② multiply it by the \(K\): 12.9 Ω·cmil/ft for copper
③ the \(L\): one-way length (ft)
④ and the \(I\): current (A)
⑤ divide by the \(A\): wire area (cmil)
⑥ and you get the \(e\): voltage drop (V)
Quick example
For a 120 V single-phase circuit wired with 12 AWG copper (6,530 cmil), a one-way length of 50 ft and a current of 15 A, the voltage drop is
\(e\): voltage drop \(=\) multiplier 2 \(\times\) \(K\) (12.9) \(\times\) length (50 ft) \(\times\) current (15 A) \(\div\) area (6,530 cmil)
\(2 \times 12.9 \times 50 \times 15 = 19350\)
\(19350 \div 6530 \approx 2.96\)
Key idea
\(K = 12.9\) is the resistance, in ohms, of a copper wire 1 ft long with an area of 1 circular mil (cmil), at a conductor temperature of 75°C. It is the value used for copper in the NEC Handbook (for aluminum, \(K = 21.2\)). The circular mil is the US unit for wire area: a round wire 1 mil (0.001 in) across has an area of 1 cmil, and the AWG sizes are listed in cmil in NEC Chapter 9, Table 8 (12 AWG = 6,530 cmil). This formula only looks at the resistance of the wire (power factor 1, no reactance), so for motor loads with a low power factor or very large wires, the real voltage drop can differ a little. Enter \(L\) as the one-way length of the run. The "2" in front already covers the wire going out and the wire coming back. If you switch "Units" to Metric, the same idea is written as \(e = \dfrac{35.6 L I}{1000 A}\), with \(L\) in meters and \(A\) in mm² (35.6 = 2 × 17.8, where 17.8 comes from the resistance of copper, about 0.0178 Ω per meter for 1 mm², near room temperature).
Voltage drop for three-phase 3-wire and single-phase 3-wire (three-phase 4-wire)
Figure
Standard notation (the usual math form)
\(e\) \(=\) \(\sqrt{3}\) \(\times\) \(K\) \(\times\) \(L\) \(\times\) \(I\) \(\div\) \(A\)
\(e\) \(=\) \(1\) \(\times\) \(K\) \(\times\) \(L\) \(\times\) \(I\) \(\div\) \(A\)
In words (symbols replaced with words)
② \(e\): voltage drop \(=\) ① multiplier \(\sqrt{3}\) \(\times\) \(K\): 12.9 for copper \(\times\) \(L\): one-way length \(\times\) \(I\): current \(\div\) \(A\): wire area
④ \(e\): voltage drop \(=\) ③ multiplier 1 \(\times\) \(K\): 12.9 for copper \(\times\) \(L\): one-way length \(\times\) \(I\): current \(\div\) \(A\): wire area
The formula in words
① For three-phase 3-wire, change the multiplier to multiplier \(\sqrt{3}\) (\(K\), the length \(L\), the current \(I\) and the area \(A\) are used the same way as in the single-phase formula). This gives the
② \(e\): voltage drop (line to line)
③ For single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire (balanced load), change the multiplier to multiplier 1 instead. This gives the
④ \(e\): voltage drop (line to neutral)
Quick example
For a 208 V three-phase 3-wire circuit wired with 8 AWG copper (16,510 cmil), a one-way length of 100 ft and a current of 30 A, the voltage drop is
\(e\): voltage drop \(=\) multiplier \(\sqrt{3}\) \(\times\) \(K\) (12.9) \(\times\) length (100 ft) \(\times\) current (30 A) \(\div\) area (16,510 cmil)
\(\sqrt{3} \times 12.9 \times 100 \times 30 \approx 67030\)
\(67030 \div 16510 \approx 4.06\)
Key idea
The three formulas differ only in the multiplier. The drop in one wire is \(K L I \div A\). Single-phase 2-wire and DC count both the outgoing and the returning wire, so the multiplier is 2. Three-phase 3-wire gives the drop between two lines, which is \(\sqrt{3} \approx 1.732\) times the drop in one wire. For single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire, measured between a line wire and the neutral, no current flows in the neutral when the load is balanced, so only one wire counts and the multiplier is 1. In the example, the drop of about 4.06 V is about 1.95% of 208 V.
Formula from the wire resistance
Figure
Standard notation (the usual math form)
\(e\) \(=\) \(M\) \(\times\) \(I\) \(\times\) \(R\) \(\times\) \(L\)
In words (symbols replaced with words)
⑤ \(e\): voltage drop \(=\) ① \(M\): system multiplier \(\times\) ② \(I\): current \(\times\) ③ \(R\): resistance per ft \(\times\) ④ \(L\): one-way length
The formula in words
① Take the \(M\): multiplier for the wiring system
② multiply it by the \(I\): current (A)
③ the \(R\): wire resistance per foot (Ω/ft)
④ and the \(L\): one-way length (ft)
⑤ and you get the \(e\): voltage drop (V)
Quick example
For a single-phase 2-wire circuit (\(M = 2\)) wired with 6 AWG aluminum, whose resistance is 0.808 Ω/1000 ft (= 0.000808 Ω/ft), a one-way length of 150 ft and a current of 40 A, the voltage drop is
\(e\): voltage drop \(=\) multiplier (2) \(\times\) current (40 A) \(\times\) resistance (0.000808 Ω/ft) \(\times\) length (150 ft)
\(2 \times 40 \times 0.000808 \times 150 = 9.696\)
Key idea
The multiplier \(M\) depends on the wiring system: \(M = 2\) for DC 2-wire and single-phase 2-wire (the wire out and the wire back), \(M = \sqrt{3} \approx 1.73\) for three-phase 3-wire, and \(M = 1\) for single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire (between a line wire and the neutral, balanced load). This formula is Ohm's law \(V = I \times R\) itself, so it works for any wire, copper or aluminum, as long as you know the conductor resistance from the specs (NEC Chapter 9, Table 8 lists it per 1000 ft). When \(N\) identical wires are run in parallel, divide the resistance \(R\) by \(N\).
Percent voltage drop
Figure
Standard notation (the usual math form)
\(\varepsilon\) \(=\) \(e\) \(\div\) \(V\) \(\times\) \(100\)
In words (symbols replaced with words)
④ \(\varepsilon\): percent drop \(=\) ① \(e\): voltage drop \(\div\) ② \(V\): source voltage \(\times\) ③ constant 100
The formula in words
① Take the \(e\): voltage drop (V)
② divide it by the \(V\): source voltage (V)
③ multiply by the constant 100 to make it a percentage,
④ and you get the \(\varepsilon\): percent voltage drop (%)
Quick example
For a 120 V circuit with a voltage drop of 2.96 V, the percent voltage drop is
\(\varepsilon\): percent drop \(=\) voltage drop (2.96 V) \(\div\) source voltage (120 V) \(\times\) constant 100
\(2.96 \div 120 \times 100 \approx 2.47\ \ (2.47\%)\)
Key idea
Voltage drop is judged by "what percent of the source voltage was lost" rather than by "how many volts were lost". A 1 V drop is less than 1% on a 120 V circuit but more than 8% on a 12 V battery circuit, so the effect is completely different. The NEC recommends, in informational notes, no more than 3% on a branch circuit and no more than 5% in total for the feeder and branch circuit together. The example above, at about 2.47%, is within 3%. Follow local codes and the equipment maker's instructions in real designs.
Voltage drop is "multiplier × K × one-way length × current ÷ wire area", with \(K = 12.9\) Ω·cmil/ft for copper and the area in circular mils. The multiplier depends on the wiring system (2 for single-phase 2-wire and DC, \(\sqrt{3}\) for three-phase 3-wire, 1 for single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire). The keys are to enter the one-way length and to judge the result as a percentage of the source voltage (the NEC recommends 3% or less for a branch circuit).

Symbols and terms

Symbols

\(e\) e Voltage drop (V). The voltage lost between the source and the load because of the resistance of the wire itself. It is also often written VD.
\(L\) L One-way length (ft). The length of the run from the source to the load, one way only. The multiplier in the formula already covers the two wires, out and back.
\(I\) I Current (A). The load current flowing in the circuit.
\(A\) A The cross-sectional area of the wire (conductor) in circular mils (cmil); in mm² with Metric units. The larger the area, the lower the resistance and the smaller the voltage drop.
\(K\) K The resistance of copper in the US formula: 12.9 Ω·cmil/ft, the resistance of a copper wire 1 ft long with an area of 1 cmil at 75°C (21.2 for aluminum).
\(R\) R Wire resistance per foot (Ω/ft). Wire specs and NEC Chapter 9, Table 8 usually list it as "conductor resistance" per 1000 ft.
\(M\) M The multiplier set by the wiring system: 2 for DC 2-wire and single-phase 2-wire, \(\sqrt{3}\) for three-phase 3-wire, and 1 for single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire (line to neutral).
\(N\) N The number of parallel conductors, that is, how many identical wires are run in parallel for each phase. Paralleling makes the wire resistance \(\dfrac{1}{N}\), so the voltage drop also becomes \(\dfrac{1}{N}\).
\(V\) V Source voltage (V). The voltage at the sending end (such as the panel).
\(\varepsilon\) epsilon Percent voltage drop (%). What percent of the source voltage the voltage drop is.
\(\sqrt{3}\) square root of 3 About 1.732. It appears in line-to-line calculations for three-phase 3-wire systems, because the currents in the three wires are 120 degrees apart from each other.

Terms

voltage drop Wires have a small resistance of their own, so when current flows, some voltage is lost along the wire and the load (an outlet or a device) gets a lower voltage than the source. It grows when the wire is thinner or longer, or when the current is larger.
one-way length The length of the run from the source to the load, measured one way (also called the length of run or circuit length). In voltage drop formulas it is always the one-way length; the multiplier covers the round trip.
circular mil (cmil) The US unit for wire area. A round wire 1 mil (0.001 in) in diameter has an area of 1 cmil, and a wire's area in cmil is its diameter in mils squared. Large sizes are given in kcmil (1000 cmil), such as 250 kcmil.
AWG (American Wire Gauge) The standard system of wire sizes in the US. The smaller the number, the thicker the wire (14 AWG is thinner than 12 AWG). Sizes larger than 1 AWG are 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0, and then kcmil sizes.
single-phase A way of supplying electricity over two (or three) wires, used for outlets and appliances in homes.
three-phase A way of supplying electricity for large motors in factories and similar places, sending three AC waves that are 120 degrees apart over three wires.
single-phase 3-wire A system with two line (hot) wires and one neutral wire. The 120/240 V split-phase service to US homes is this system; 120 V is available between a hot wire and the neutral, and 240 V between the two hot wires.
balanced load A single-phase 3-wire or three-phase system where the loads on each line (each phase) are the same size. When the load is balanced, no current flows in the neutral, so for single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire systems the multiplier is 1 (one wire only).
stranded wire Wire whose conductor is many thin copper strands twisted together. It is more flexible than solid wire and is used for larger sizes and for cords.
solid wire Wire whose conductor is one single copper wire. Small branch-circuit sizes such as 14 AWG and 12 AWG in home wiring are usually solid.
NM cable Nonmetallic-sheathed cable, the most common cable for wiring inside US homes. For example, "12/2" is two 12 AWG insulated wires plus a bare ground wire, typically used for 20 A circuits.
National Electrical Code (NEC) The US standard for safe electrical installation (NFPA 70), adopted by most states and cities, often with local changes. Its Chapter 9 tables list wire areas and resistances, and its informational notes give the recommended voltage drop limits (3% and 5%).
licensed electrician In the US, electrical wiring work in buildings generally has to be done by a licensed electrician (rules vary by state and city, and permits and inspections are usually required). Use this calculator only as a guide for learning and planning.

Good to know before you start

Here is what helps you use the calculation on this page with real understanding, not just by pressing the button.

Proportional and inversely proportional relationships (Grades 7–8)
  • Being able to see from the formula that the voltage drop is proportional to the length and the current and inversely proportional to the wire area
  • Having a feel that doubling the length doubles the drop, and doubling the wire area halves it
Ohm's law (middle school physical science)
  • Understanding the relationship voltage = current × resistance (\(V = I \times R\))
  • Knowing that wires have a small resistance too, and that the voltage is shared among resistances connected in series
Percentages (Grade 6)
  • Being able to find "what percent of the whole" with a division and multiplying by 100
Square roots (Grade 8)
  • Knowing that the \(\sqrt{3} \approx 1.73\) in three-phase formulas is "the number that gives 3 when squared" (why \(\sqrt{3}\) appears in three-phase systems is high school physics, so using it as a value is enough to start)

How to calculate it in Excel

Copy the whole table below and paste it into cell A1 in Excel. It works as is.
Table for the voltage drop in single-phase 2-wire and DC circuits
One-way length L (ft) 50
Current I (A) 15
Wire area A (cmil) 6530
Voltage drop e (V) =2*12.9*B1*B2/B3
Table for the voltage drop in three-phase 3-wire circuits
One-way length L (ft) 100
Current I (A) 30
Wire area A (cmil) 16510
Voltage drop e (V) =SQRT(3)*12.9*B1*B2/B3
Table for the voltage drop in single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire circuits
One-way length L (ft) 100
Current I (A) 10
Wire area A (cmil) 6530
Voltage drop e (V) =12.9*B1*B2/B3
Table for the voltage drop from the wire resistance
System multiplier M 2
Current I (A) 40
Resistance per ft R (Ω/ft) 0.000808
One-way length L (ft) 150
Voltage drop e (V) =B1*B2*B3*B4
Table for the percent voltage drop
Voltage drop e (V) 2.96
Source voltage V (V) 120
Voltage drop (%) =B1/B2*100
After pasting, the upper rows in column B are your inputs and the last row is calculated automatically. "*" is multiplication, "/" is division and SQRT(3) is the square root of 3.
The first table shows about 2.96 (V) in B4. The second shows about 4.06 (V), the third about 1.98 (V), the fourth about 9.70 (V) and the fifth about 2.47 (%).
Just replace the numbers in column B with the values for your circuit. The single-phase, three-phase and line-to-neutral tables differ only in the multiplier (2, SQRT(3) or 1) in front of 12.9. For aluminum wire, change 12.9 to 21.2.

How to calculate it in Google Sheets

Copy the whole table below and paste it into cell A1 in Google Sheets. It works as is.
Table for the voltage drop in single-phase 2-wire and DC circuits
One-way length L (ft) 50
Current I (A) 15
Wire area A (cmil) 6530
Voltage drop e (V) =2*12.9*B1*B2/B3
Table for the voltage drop in three-phase 3-wire circuits
One-way length L (ft) 100
Current I (A) 30
Wire area A (cmil) 16510
Voltage drop e (V) =SQRT(3)*12.9*B1*B2/B3
Table for the voltage drop in single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire circuits
One-way length L (ft) 100
Current I (A) 10
Wire area A (cmil) 6530
Voltage drop e (V) =12.9*B1*B2/B3
Table for the voltage drop from the wire resistance
System multiplier M 2
Current I (A) 40
Resistance per ft R (Ω/ft) 0.000808
One-way length L (ft) 150
Voltage drop e (V) =B1*B2*B3*B4
Table for the percent voltage drop
Voltage drop e (V) 2.96
Source voltage V (V) 120
Voltage drop (%) =B1/B2*100
The same formulas as in Excel work as is. Copy the whole table, paste it into cell A1, and replace the numbers in column B with the values for your circuit.

How to calculate it in Python

multiplier = 2          # wiring system (single-phase 2-wire and DC = 2, three-phase 3-wire = 3 ** 0.5, line to neutral = 1)
k_copper = 12.9         # K for copper (ohm-cmil/ft at 75 C; 21.2 for aluminum)
length_ft = 50          # one-way length of the run (ft)
current_a = 15          # current (A)
area_cmil = 6530        # wire area (cmil); 12 AWG = 6530
source_voltage = 120    # source voltage (V)

voltage_drop = multiplier * k_copper * length_ft * current_a / area_cmil   # voltage drop (V)
drop_rate = voltage_drop / source_voltage * 100                             # percent voltage drop (%)
end_voltage = source_voltage - voltage_drop                                 # voltage at the load end (V)

print(f"Voltage drop: {voltage_drop} V")
print(f"Percent voltage drop: {drop_rate} %")
print(f"Voltage at the load end: {end_voltage} V")
Runs with the standard library only. Replace the multiplier and the circuit values at the top and run it. This example prints a voltage drop of about 2.96 V (about 2.47%). To calculate from the resistance, for aluminum or other wire, change the voltage_drop line to "multiplier * current * resistance per ft * one-way length".

How to write it in LaTeX and other math languages (copy and paste)

Voltage drop formula (single-phase 2-wire and DC)
e = 2 × K × L × I ÷ A
e = \dfrac{2 K L I}{A}
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block">
  <mrow>
    <mi>e</mi>
    <mo>=</mo>
    <mfrac>
      <mrow><mn>2</mn><mi>K</mi><mi>L</mi><mi>I</mi></mrow>
      <mi>A</mi>
    </mfrac>
  </mrow>
</math>
e = (2 K L I)/A
2*k*l*i/a
e := 2*k*l*i/a;
e = 2*K*L*I/A;
e = (2 K L I)/A
Voltage drop for three-phase 3-wire and single-phase 3-wire (three-phase 4-wire)
e = √3 × K × L × I ÷ A (three-phase 3-wire), e = K × L × I ÷ A (single-phase 3-wire, three-phase 4-wire)
e = \dfrac{\sqrt{3} K L I}{A}, \quad e = \dfrac{K L I}{A}
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block">
  <mrow>
    <mi>e</mi>
    <mo>=</mo>
    <mfrac>
      <mrow><msqrt><mn>3</mn></msqrt><mi>K</mi><mi>L</mi><mi>I</mi></mrow>
      <mi>A</mi>
    </mfrac>
  </mrow>
</math>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block">
  <mrow>
    <mi>e</mi>
    <mo>=</mo>
    <mfrac>
      <mrow><mi>K</mi><mi>L</mi><mi>I</mi></mrow>
      <mi>A</mi>
    </mfrac>
  </mrow>
</math>
e = (sqrt(3) K L I)/A,  e = (K L I)/A
Sqrt[3]*k*l*i/a  (* three-phase 3-wire. Single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire: k*l*i/a *)
e := sqrt(3)*k*l*i/a;  # three-phase 3-wire. Single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire: k*l*i/a
e = sqrt(3)*K*L*I/A;  % three-phase 3-wire. Single-phase 3-wire and three-phase 4-wire: e = K*L*I/A;
e = (√3 K L I)/A,  e = (K L I)/A
Formula from the wire resistance
e = M × I × R × L
e = M I R L
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block">
  <mrow>
    <mi>e</mi>
    <mo>=</mo>
    <mi>M</mi>
    <mi>I</mi>
    <mi>R</mi>
    <mi>L</mi>
  </mrow>
</math>
e = M I R L
m*i*r*l
e := m*i*r*l;
e = M*I*R*L;
e = M I R L
Percent voltage drop
ε = e ÷ V × 100
\varepsilon = \dfrac{e}{V} \times 100
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block">
  <mrow>
    <mi>&#x03B5;</mi>
    <mo>=</mo>
    <mfrac>
      <mi>e</mi>
      <mi>V</mi>
    </mfrac>
    <mo>&#x00D7;</mo>
    <mn>100</mn>
  </mrow>
</math>
epsilon = e/V * 100
e/v*100
epsilon := e/v*100;
rate = e/V*100;
ε = (e/V) × 100

How to have ChatGPT  do the calculation

You are a calculation assistant for electrical installations. Do the following calculation by actually running Python code, and base your answer only on the numbers from the execution result (do not answer by mental math or guessing).

A 120 V single-phase 2-wire circuit uses 12 AWG copper wire (6,530 cmil), with a one-way length of 50 ft and a load current of 15 A.
Using the formula e = 2 × K × L × I ÷ A with K = 12.9 ohm-cmil/ft for copper, find each of the following:
1. The voltage drop (V)
2. The percent voltage drop (%)
3. The voltage at the load end (V)

Show the formulas you used and the numbers from the execution result.

How to Use
  1. 1
    Enter your numbers
    Type the numbers you want to calculate with into the input fields
  2. 2
    Calculate
    Press the "Calculate" button
  3. 3
    Check the result
    The result appears on the spot. The same page also explains the idea behind the calculation and the formula
  DataChef Features
Easy and Free
Unlimited conversions for free.
No technical knowledge required.
Intuitive and user-friendly operation.
No Registration Required
Available immediately after access.
Can be used without registering personal information.
Safe and Secure
Fully SSL encrypted communication.
Automatic file deletion by clicking "download".
Fast
High-speed site access
and rapid file conversion.
No Watermark
No watermark.
No attribution required.
Commercial Use Available
Free for commercial use.
No need to contact us for commercial use permission.