Power Dissipation Calculator

Your details

Potential difference across the component, in volts.
V
Current through the component, in amperes.
A
Currency
Total power dissipatedHigh power
24W

Electrical energy turned to heat per second.

Power dissipated24,000mW
Heat output81.9BTU/hr

The circuit dissipates 24 watts as heat (81.9 BTU/hr).

  • All three forms, P = VI, P = I²R and P = V²/R, give the same power; pick the one that matches your known values.
  • Because P = I²R, doubling the current quadruples the heat, while halving it cuts heat to a quarter.
  • Choose components whose power rating comfortably exceeds this value (a common rule is at least 2× headroom).

Next stepCheck each part’s rated wattage against this result; if it is close, add headroom or improve cooling.

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