Engineering
Electronics & Mechanical Engineering
About Engineering Calculators
Professional engineering calculation tools for electrical, mechanical, and structural analysis. Our engineering calculators implement fundamental equations from circuit theory (Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws), mechanical design (gear ratios, pulley systems, beam deflection), and component selection. Each tool provides results with proper engineering units, tolerances, and reference formulas for verification.
- ✓Ohm's law calculator with power dissipation and component rating verification.
- ✓Capacitor and resistor network analysis for series and parallel configurations.
- ✓Gear ratio and pulley system mechanical advantage calculations.
- ✓Beam deflection and stress analysis for common structural configurations.
Electronics & Mechanical Engineering
Engineering — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the correct resistor for an LED circuit?
Use Ohm's law: R = (V_supply − V_LED) / I_LED. For a typical red LED (V_LED ≈ 2V, I_LED ≈ 20mA) on a 5V supply: R = (5 − 2) / 0.02 = 150Ω. Also check power rating: P = I²R = 0.02² × 150 = 0.06W, so a standard ¼W resistor is sufficient. Our Ohm's law calculator automates these computations.
What is the formula for gear ratio and mechanical advantage?
Gear ratio = Number of teeth on driven gear ÷ Number of teeth on driver gear. A ratio > 1 means speed reduction with torque multiplication; a ratio < 1 means speed increase with torque reduction. For compound gear trains, multiply individual stage ratios. Mechanical advantage in ideal gears equals the gear ratio (neglecting friction losses).
How is beam deflection calculated?
Beam deflection depends on load type, support conditions, material stiffness (Young's modulus E), and cross-section geometry (moment of inertia I). For a simply supported beam with center load: δ = PL³/(48EI). For a cantilever with end load: δ = PL³/(3EI). Our beam calculator handles multiple load and support configurations using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory.
How do capacitors combine in series vs. parallel?
In parallel, capacitances add: C_total = C₁ + C₂ + ... (like resistors in series). In series, reciprocals add: 1/C_total = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + ... (like resistors in parallel). This is because parallel capacitors increase effective plate area, while series capacitors increase effective plate separation. Our capacitor calculator handles both configurations.
Are these engineering calculators suitable for professional design work?
Our calculators implement standard engineering formulas and are suitable for preliminary design estimates, educational purposes, and quick verification checks. However, professional engineering design requires compliance with specific codes (NEC, ASME, Eurocode), safety factors, environmental conditions, and professional engineering judgment. Always validate critical designs with licensed professional engineers and code-compliant analysis tools.