Calculating DC Voltage

Published
<h3>Calculating DC Voltage</h3>

Through Ohm’s law, you can calculate the voltage (V), current (I) and resistance (R) of a DC circuit. From that you can also calculate the power at any point in the circuit.

Step 1

Follow Ohm’s law: Voltage (V) = Current (I) times Resistance (R).



V = I * R

Step 2

Use this example to calculate DC voltage. If I is 0.5 amps-DC (500 milliamps DC or 500 mADC), and R is 100 ohms:

V = I R = 0.5 100 = 50 volts, or 50 VDC

Step 3

Calculate power if you know both current and voltage:



Power (watts) = Voltage (volts) Current (amps) P = V I

From Step 2:

P = 50 V * 0.5 A = 25 W



Step 4

Divide DC voltage by 1,000 to express in kilovolts, or KVDC:

17,250 VDC / 1,000 = 17.25 KVDC

Step 5

Calculate small voltages. It may be more convenient to express the DC voltage in millivolts by multiplying by 1,000:

0.03215 VDC * 1,000 = 32.15 mVDC

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.