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Electrical

Linear Regulator Heat Calculator

Estimate power dissipated by a linear regulator and ideal conversion efficiency.

Ideal component relationshipsUnits and assumptions explained below
Circuit workbench
Circuit workbench

Keep RMS, peak and DC values distinct.

See the method

Enter circuit values

Runs on your device

Your circuit result

Your result

Let’s calculate.

Use the Calculate button to see your result.

Review the method below for assumptions and conventions.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter input voltage, output voltage, load current.
  2. Select Calculate to view the result.
  3. Check the method and assumptions below before using the result.

The method, explained

Dissipation = (Vin−Vout)I; ideal efficiency = Vout/Vin.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Using input voltage = 12 V, output voltage = 5 V, load current = 0.5 A, the result is 3.5 W. Change these example inputs to match your task; use the method above to check each step.

Understanding your result

Quiescent current and dropout are excluded. A thermal and safe-operating-area check is needed for a physical design.

What to keep in mind

Quiescent current and dropout are excluded. A thermal and safe-operating-area check is needed for a physical design. Ideal-component calculation for study and estimation. It does not select safe wiring, protective devices or component ratings for an installation.

Common questions

How do I use this linear regulator heat calculator?

Estimate power dissipated by a linear regulator and ideal conversion efficiency. Enter input voltage in V, output voltage in V, load current in A. The starting example is editable; use values for the same system or project.

Which assumptions affect this result?

Quiescent current and dropout are excluded. A thermal and safe-operating-area check is needed for a physical design.

Methodology maintained by ClarityKit. How these tools are built and checked.