Advanced Air Core Inductor Calculator
The definitive tool to design and analyze single-layer and multi-layer air core inductors. Instantly calculate inductance, Q factor, and resistance based on your exact specifications.
Single-Layer Solenoid Calculator
1. Enter Coil Geometry
2. Enter Winding & Frequency Parameters
Results
Inductance (L)
0 µH
Q Factor
0
AC Resistance
0 Ω
DC Resistance
0 Ω
Multi-Layer Coil Calculator
1. Enter Winding Parameters
2. Enter Analysis Frequency
3. Calculated Coil Dimensions
0
0.00 in
0.00 in
Results
Inductance (L)
0 µH
Q Factor
0
AC Resistance
0 Ω
DC Resistance
0 Ω
Understanding Q Factor, Resistance, and Skin Effect
A real-world inductor isn't just pure inductance; it also has resistance, which causes energy loss. The Quality Factor (Q) is the key metric that measures an inductor's efficiency.
Q = Inductive Reactance / AC Resistance = (2 * π * f * L) / Rac
A higher Q factor is better, as it signifies a more efficient inductor that stores energy well with minimal loss. This is critical in filters and RF tuning circuits.
- DC Resistance (Rdc): The basic resistance of the wire based on its material (copper), length, and diameter.
- AC Resistance (Rac): At high frequencies, current crowds to the outer surface of the wire (the "skin effect"), increasing resistance. Rac is always higher than Rdc at frequency. Our tool calculates this to give an accurate Q factor.
