RMS Voltage Calculator (VRMS)
Calculate root mean square voltage from peak, peak-to-peak, or average voltage values
Results:
About RMS Voltage
Root Mean Square (RMS) voltage is a statistical measure of the magnitude of a varying voltage. It represents the equivalent DC voltage that would deliver the same power to a load as the AC voltage does.
Formulas Used:
- Sine Wave: VRMS = Vp/√2 ≈ Vp × 0.707
- Square Wave: VRMS = Vp
- Triangle Wave: VRMS = Vp/√3 ≈ Vp × 0.577
- Sawtooth Wave: VRMS = Vp/√3 ≈ Vp × 0.577
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is RMS voltage?
RMS (Root Mean Square) voltage is the equivalent DC voltage that produces the same heating effect in a resistor as the AC voltage being measured. It’s the most accurate way to express AC voltage.
Why is RMS voltage important?
RMS voltage is important because it allows us to compare AC and DC voltages directly in terms of their ability to do work (power delivery). Most AC voltmeters display RMS voltage rather than peak or peak-to-peak values.
How does RMS differ from average voltage?
The average voltage of a pure AC waveform is zero because the positive and negative halves cancel out. RMS voltage is different as it squares the values before averaging (eliminating negative signs), then takes the square root, giving a meaningful measure of the waveform’s power capability.