Calculate the ideal series resistor for any LED circuit instantly. Enter supply voltage, LED forward voltage, and desired current to get the resistor value, nearest standard resistor, power dissipation, and color code.
Ohm's Law: R = (V_supply − V_led) ÷ I_led
Formula: R = (V_supply − (V_led × N)) ÷ I_led
LEDs require a current-limiting resistor to prevent damage. The resistor drops the excess voltage from the power supply while limiting current to the desired value. Always use a resistor with a higher power rating than calculated.
Use a resistor with at least 2× the calculated power dissipation for safety. Common ratings: 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.