How to Calculate an Inductor

Most inductors are wire coiled around a cardboard core. Knowing the coil diameter, wire diameter and number wire coils (turns), inductance can be calculated. Knowing this value (in Henrys) allows you to determine its reactance at a known frequency.

Things You'll Need

  • Calculator
  • Paper and pencil
  • Inductor
  • Micrometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use your micrometer to measure the inner diameter of your inductor (in inches). Then, measure the length of your inductor (in inches). Note these values for later use.

    • 2

      Count the number of turns (complete loops of wire) in the inductor. Also note the number of turns per inch (to estimate the wire gauge).

    • 3

      Enter these values into the inductance calculator (see link in Resources) to calculate the value in microHenrys (uH = 1 millionth of a Henry).

    • 4

      Knowing the value in Henrys, you may calculate the inductor's reactance at a given frequency (XL = 2 x Pi x frequency in Hertz x Inductance in Henrys).

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