Output Voltage
6.000 V
Ratio
50.0%
Current
0.60 mA
Output Voltage (Vout)
6.000 V
Divider Ratio
50.0%
Current
0.60 mA
R1 Power
3.6 mW
R2 Power
3.6 mW
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Inputs
Result
Vout = 12 × 10000/(10000+10000) = 12 × 0.5 = 6.000V. I = 12/20000 = 0.6mA.
Inputs
Result
Vout = 5 × 20000/(10000+20000) = 5 × 0.667 = 3.333V. I = 5/30000 = 0.167mA.
A voltage divider uses two series resistors to produce an output voltage that is a fraction of the input. Vout = Vin × R2 / (R1 + R2). Equal resistors give half the input voltage.
| R1 | R2 | Ratio | Vout (12V in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10kΩ | 10kΩ | 50% | 6.000V |
| 10kΩ | 20kΩ | 66.7% | 8.000V |
| 20kΩ | 10kΩ | 33.3% | 4.000V |
| 10kΩ | 4.7kΩ | 32.0% | 3.837V |
A load in parallel with R2 reduces the effective R2, lowering Vout. The heavier the load (lower resistance), the more Vout drops. Rule of thumb: load should be at least 10x R2 for minimal effect.
Start with desired ratio: R2/(R1+R2) = Vout/Vin. Higher total resistance wastes less power but is more sensitive to load. 10kΩ total is common for signal circuits; 1kΩ for power.
Not recommended. Voltage dividers cannot regulate voltage under changing load—output drops as current increases. Use a voltage regulator (LM7805, LDO) for stable DC supply.
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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026
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