Capacitive Reactance Calculator
Easily calculate capacitive reactance (XC) for any capacitor using frequency and capacitance. Fast results in ohms (Ω) with step-by-step formula explanation.
Capacitive Reactance Calculator:
Capacitive reactance (XC) is the resistance a capacitor presents to AC signals, given by \( X_{C} = \frac{1}{2\pi f C} \) here 𝑓 is frequency in hertz and 𝐶 is capacitance in farads. This calculator instantly computes XC in ohms (Ω), showing how reactance decreases with higher frequency or capacitance. It helps you understand the phase behavior and impedance in AC circuits at any operating frequency.
Capacitive Reactance Tools formula
The Capacitive Reactance Calculator quickly determines the opposition offered by a capacitor to alternating current (AC). Using the formula
Formula: \( X_{C} = \frac{1}{2\pi f C} \)
it calculates capacitive reactance XC in ohms (Ω) based on frequency (Hz) and capacitance (F, µF, nF, or pF). This calculator is ideal for students, hobbyists, and engineers designing AC circuits, filters, or impedance networks. It automatically converts units, displays results in standard and scientific notation, and provides helpful explanations about phase shift and current flow through capacitors. Perfect for AC analysis, this tool ensures accurate reactance calculations for low- and high-frequency applications, such as audio, RF, and power circuits.
Work & Installation — Input to Output Summary
Work: Computes capacitive reactance XC using frequency and capacitance. Converts between units, calculates impedance magnitude, and explains current-voltage phase relationship.
Installation:
- Add HTML structure for inputs and outputs.
- Include CSS for styling.
- Link the JS script implementing XC = 1/(2πfC) and unit conversions.
- Optionally embed via for your calculator page.
Input:
- Frequency (f, Hz / kHz / MHz)
- Capacitance (C, F / µF / nF / pF)
Output:
- Capacitive Reactance (Xc in Ω)
- Reactance magnitude and angle
- Reactance trend (increase/decrease vs frequency)
- Notes on phase shift (-90° current lead)
Testing and Final Adjustments
Check the calculator using common values of capacitors at varying frequencies. Examples: 10 µF at 60 Hz → 265.3 Ω; 100 nF at 1 MHz → 1.59 Ω. Compare to hand calculations and ensure that units are handled correctly (F, nF, pF). Test the numeric stability of checked capacitance at small (or large) capacitances. Have automatic input clamping to prevent division by zero and a potentially informative error feedback on invalid entries. Include tooltips describing each variable and have dropdowns of the units to be used by the user. To be polished off finally: make the layout mobile-friendly, as well as make manifestations of auto-updating in real time, as well as make text outputs have both numerical and scientific notation. Browser test and trim down your JavaScript to make the pages load at a better rate.
Frequently Asked Questions - Capacitive Reactance Calculator:
What is capacitive reactance?
Capacitive reactance (Xc) is the opposition a capacitor offers to AC current, given by Xc = 1/(2πfC).
What are the inputs for this calculator?
Frequency (Hz) and capacitance (F, µF, nF, or pF).
What unit is capacitive reactance measured in?
Ohms (Ω).
What happens to Xc when frequency increases?
Capacitive reactance decreases as frequency increases, allowing more current to flow.
What happens when capacitance increases?
Higher capacitance decreases reactance, as the capacitor can store and release charge more easily.
How is capacitive reactance different from resistance?
Unlike resistance, capacitive reactance causes a 90° phase shift between voltage and current in AC circuits.
Is Xc frequency-dependent?
Yes, capacitive reactance inversely depends on frequency; at DC (0 Hz), it becomes infinite.
Can this calculator handle small capacitances like pF?
Yes — it supports F, µF, nF, and pF, automatically converting units internally.
How does Xc relate to impedance?
In pure capacitive circuits, impedance magnitude equals Xc and current leads voltage by 90°.
Where is capacitive reactance used?
It’s key in designing filters, timing circuits, power factor correction, and AC coupling applications.
