Calcula la resistencia en serie ideal para cualquier circuito LED al instante. Ingresa el voltaje de alimentación, el voltaje directo del LED y la corriente deseada para obtener el valor de la resistencia, la resistencia estándar más cercana, la disipación de potencia y el código de colores.
Ley de Ohm: R = (V_alimentación − V_led) ÷ I_led
Fórmula: R = (V_alimentación − (V_led × N)) ÷ I_led
Los LED requieren una resistencia limitadora de corriente para evitar daños. La resistencia disipa el voltaje excedente de la fuente de alimentación mientras limita la corriente al valor deseado. Use siempre una resistencia con una potencia nominal mayor que la calculada.
Use una resistencia con al menos 2× la potencia disipada calculada por seguridad. Valores comunes: ¼W (0.25W), ½W (0.5W), 1W, 2W.
This free online calculator helps you find the ideal current-limiting resistor for any LED circuit. Whether you are building an Arduino project, repairing electronics, or designing custom lighting, choosing the correct resistor is essential to protect your LEDs from excessive current and ensure long lifespan. Simply enter your supply voltage, LED forward voltage, desired current, and number of LEDs in series to get the resistor value, nearest standard resistor, power dissipation, and color code. All calculations happen entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
LEDs are diodes with very low internal resistance when forward-biased. Without a resistor, current would increase uncontrollably, causing the LED to overheat and burn out within seconds. The resistor limits current to a safe value, typically 10–20 mA for standard LEDs.
Forward voltage is the minimum voltage required for the LED to conduct and emit light. Different LED colors have different Vf values: Red (1.8–2.2V), Green (2.1–2.4V), Blue/White (3.0–3.4V), Yellow/Orange (1.9–2.1V). The calculator includes presets for common values.
Use Ohm's Law: R = (V_supply − V_LED) ÷ I_LED. For example, with a 5V supply, a red LED (2.0V), and 20mA current: R = (5 − 2.0) ÷ 0.020 = 150 Ω. This calculator automates this formula and finds the nearest standard resistor value.
E24 is a standard resistor series with 24 values per decade (1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0, 3.3, 3.6, 3.9, 4.3, 4.7, 5.1, 5.6, 6.2, 6.8, 7.5, 8.2, 9.1). These are the most common values available and sufficient for most LED applications.
The resistor dissipates power as heat, calculated as P = I² × R. For safety, choose a resistor with at least 2× the calculated power dissipation. Common ratings: ¼W (0.25W) for most LEDs, ½W (0.5W) for higher currents, and 1W or more for automotive or high-power applications.
Yes, you can connect multiple LEDs in series. The total voltage drop across all LEDs must be less than the supply voltage. The resistor drops the remaining voltage. The calculator validates this automatically and warns you if the supply voltage is insufficient.
A resistor that is too small allows excessive current, causing the LED to be very bright but shortening its lifespan or burning it out. A resistor that is too large limits current too much, making the LED dim or not light up at all. Always use the calculated value or the nearest standard resistor.
The resistor color code uses colored bands to indicate the resistance value and tolerance. For example, brown-black-brown = 100Ω ±1%. The calculator shows the color code for the nearest standard resistor, making it easy to find the right component in your parts bin.