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Electrical Calculators

RL Time Constant Calculator

Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device

Enter details
H
Ω
Verified formula Private

Time constant

0.005000

For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.

How to use the RL Time Constant Calculator

The RL Time Constant Calculator works out your time constant in an instant. Enter inductance and resistance and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.

  1. Enter the inductance.
  2. Enter the resistance.
  3. Read off your time constant — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.

Formula

The RL Time Constant Calculator uses the formula:

Time constant = Inductance ÷ Resistance

Worked example

For example, with inductance of 0.5 H and resistance of 100 Ω, the time constant is 0.005000.

Inputs used
Inductance 0.5 H
Resistance 100 Ω
Results
Time constant 0.005000

Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.

Frequently asked questions

Divide inductance by resistance: τ = L ÷ R. A 0.5 H inductor with 100 Ω has a time constant of 0.005 s.

It is the time for the current to reach about 63% of its final value when changing.

After about five time constants the current is within 1% of its final steady value.

An RC time constant is R × C, while an RL time constant is L ÷ R; both describe exponential change.

Enter the inductance. Enter the resistance. Read off your time constant — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.

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