Potentiometer Calculator

A potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact (wiper) that forms an adjustable voltage divider. By moving the wiper, you can vary the output voltage between 0V and the input voltage.

The output voltage equals the input voltage multiplied by the ratio of lower resistance to total resistance: Vout = Vin × (R_lower / R_total). The wiper position determines this resistance ratio.

Adding a load resistance in parallel with the lower portion of the potentiometer reduces the effective resistance, which changes the output voltage. The loaded output will be lower than the unloaded calculation.

Real-world factors include potentiometer tolerance (typically ±20%), temperature effects, and loading effects from connected circuits. Buffer the output with a high-impedance amplifier for more stable voltage.

No, potentiometers are not suitable as voltage regulators because they cannot maintain constant voltage under varying load conditions. Use proper voltage regulator circuits for stable output voltage.

Linear potentiometers have resistance that changes proportionally with position, while logarithmic (audio taper) potentiometers have non-linear resistance change. This calculator assumes linear potentiometers.

Consider your input voltage, desired current draw, and load requirements. Higher resistance values draw less current but are more susceptible to noise. Common values range from 1kΩ to 1MΩ.

Wiper resistance is the contact resistance between the wiper and resistive element, typically 1-100 ohms. For precision applications with low-value potentiometers, this can affect accuracy and should be considered.