Time constant τ calculation
Calculator and formulas for calculating the time constant τ (tau) of resistor and capacitor
This function calculates the time constant Τ of an RC circuit, or its capacitor, or its resistance. Two of the values must be known in order to calculate the third one. Use the radio button to select which value should be calculated and enter the known values. Then click on the 'Calculate' button.
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Formula for calculating the time constant
The time constant of an RC element (low pass) is the product of R * C. Its unit of measurement is seconds. The symbol is the Greek letter Τ (tau)
The time constant is required to calculate the state of charge at a specific point in time when charging or discharging the capacitor.
After a period of 3 time constants, the output signal has approx. 95% of the size of the input signal. After 5 Τ the charge is approx. 99.3%.
Time constant
\(\displaystyle Τ=R ·C\)
Capacitor
\(\displaystyle C=\frac{Τ}{R}\)
Resistor
\(\displaystyle R=\frac{Τ}{C}\)
Capacitor functions
Series connection with capacitorsSeries connection with 2 capacitors
Reactance Xc of a capacitor
Time constant of an R/C circuit
Capacitor charging voltage
Capacitor discharge voltage
R/C for the charging voltage
Series circuit R/C
Parallel circuit R/C
Low pass-filter R/C
High pass-filter R/C
Integrator R/C
Differentiator R/C
Cutoff-frequency R,C
R and C for a given impedance
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