Electrical

PWM Average Voltage Calculator

Find the time-average voltage of a two-level pulse-width-modulated waveform.

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 high level, low level, duty cycle.
  2. Select Calculate to view the result.
  3. Check the method and assumptions below before using the result.

The method, explained

Average = D×Vhigh+(1−D)×Vlow, where D is duty cycle divided by 100.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Using high level = 5 V, low level = 0 V, duty cycle = 40 %, the result is 2 V. Change these example inputs to match your task; use the method above to check each step.

Understanding your result

This is the time average, not RMS or a guaranteed filtered output. Load, switching losses and filter ripple are excluded.

What to keep in mind

This is the time average, not RMS or a guaranteed filtered output. Load, switching losses and filter ripple are excluded. 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 pwm average voltage calculator?

Find the time-average voltage of a two-level pulse-width-modulated waveform. Enter high level in V, low level in V, duty cycle in %. The starting example is editable; use values for the same system or project.

Which assumptions affect this result?

This is the time average, not RMS or a guaranteed filtered output. Load, switching losses and filter ripple are excluded.

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