Enter your voltage value, select the voltage type (peak, RMS, etc.) and waveform shape, and this RMS Voltage Calculator works out the RMS voltage alongside the peak, peak-to-peak, and average voltage — so you get the full picture of your signal in one shot.
RMS Voltage
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Peak Voltage
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Peak-to-Peak Voltage
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Average Voltage
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RMS (Root Mean Square) voltage is the effective voltage of an AC waveform that produces the same heating effect as an equivalent DC voltage. It represents the DC-equivalent voltage that delivers the same power to a load.
For a sine wave, RMS voltage equals peak voltage divided by √2 (approximately 0.7071). The formula is: Vrms = Vp / √2. This relationship varies for different waveform shapes.
RMS voltage is the effective heating value equivalent to DC, while average voltage is the arithmetic mean over one complete cycle. For AC waveforms, RMS is typically higher than average voltage and more useful for power calculations.
For a sine wave, divide peak-to-peak voltage by 2√2 (approximately 2.828). The formula is: Vrms = Vpp / (2√2). Peak-to-peak voltage is twice the peak voltage.
RMS voltage is crucial for power calculations and represents the effective value that determines how much work an AC voltage can perform. It's the standard measurement used in electrical systems and specifications.
Household voltage ratings like 120V or 240V are RMS values, not peak values. The actual peak voltage of 120V RMS is approximately 170V (120V × √2).
Yes, different waveform shapes have different relationships between peak, average, and RMS values. Sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and sawtooth waves all have unique conversion factors.
For a pure DC voltage (constant value), the RMS value equals the DC value itself. This is because there's no variation in the voltage level, so the root mean square calculation yields the same constant value.