How to Calculate Inductance
What is Inductance?
Inductance measures a conductor's or coil's ability to generate a magnetic field and store energy magnetically. It quantifies the opposition to changing electrical current.
Formula
The calculator applies L = μ × N² × A / l where μ is permeability
- L
- μ × N² × A / l where μ is permeability — μ × N² × A / l where μ is permeability
- A
- A value — Variable used in the calculation
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Input the number of turns, cross-sectional area, and coil length
- 2The calculator applies L = μ × N² × A / l where μ is permeability
- 3Results show inductance in henries
Worked Examples
Input
N = 100 turns, A = 10 cm², l = 5 cm
Result
L ≈ 2.51 mH
Using air core coil
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Neglecting to square the number of turns
- ✕Using inconsistent units for coil dimensions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does inductance increase with the square of turns?
Each additional turn strengthens the magnetic field and increases flux linkage exponentially.
What's the difference between self and mutual inductance?
Self-inductance opposes current changes in the same circuit, while mutual inductance occurs when one coil induces voltage in another.
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