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RK
Rojony Khatun
Last updated: Jun 3, 2026

CT Ratio Calculator

Calculate the CT secondary current from the primary current and the CT ratio, or find the correct CT ratio for your system. Includes formulas, tables, and examples.

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CT Ratio Calculator

Calculate the CT secondary current from the primary current and the CT ratio, or find the correct CT ratio for your system. Includes formulas, tables, and examples.

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ct secondary current from primary

div The CT ratio (Primary/Secondary) shows how high primary current can be safely cut to a normal secondary (1 A or 5 A). Calculate with the following formula: \[ I s = I p X S sec /P ct \] where I p is the current of primary, P ct is the primary rating of the CT, and S sec is the secondary rating of the CT. The right CT ratio is essential to maintain use of correct measurements and shielding of electrical systems.

Formula & Table Summary:

  • Secondary Current: I_s = I_p × (S_sec / P_ct)
  • Required CT Primary: P_ct = I_p × (S_sec / I_s)
  • Primary-Equivalent from Measured Secondary: I_p_eq = I_s × (P_ct / S_sec)
  • Converter Table (Input → Output):

    Input Formula Output
    CT ratio & Primary Current I_s = I_p × (S_sec / P_ct) Secondary Current
    Primary & Desired Secondary P_ct = I_p × (S_sec / I_s) Required CT Primary
    Measured Secondary & CT Ratio I_p_eq = I_s × (P_ct / S_sec) Primary Equivalent
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current transformer ratio formula

High primary current Current Transformer (CT) ratios specify the safe scaling of high primary current to standard secondary current (typically 1 A or 5 A) to use as a meter and protection. CT ratios are expressed as primary / secondary e.g. 400/5. To compute secondary current: product of the primary current and secondary rating/CT primary rating. The key part in selecting the correct CT ratio is to make sure that the primary rating is at least the maximum expected primary current and that the secondary has the standard ratings. It has formulae and converter tables, sample calculations, keywords that are low competition, image metadata, frequently asked questions as a JSON file, ready-to-use TailwindCSS calculator snippet to make instant evaluations. These resources simplify computation of CT ratios, make them accurate and accessible to both electrical practitioners as well as to students.

ct primary secondary conversion

Scenario Input Calculation Result
Example A CT 400/5, I_p = 200A I_s = 200 × 5 / 400 2.5 A
Example B CT 800/5, I_p = 300A I_s = 300 × 5 / 800 1.875 A
Choose CT I_p = 120A, desired I_s = 5A P_ct = 120 × 5 / 5 = 120 → next standard 150/5 recommended
Back-Calc Measured I_s = 4A, CT 400/5 I_p_eq = 4 × 400 / 5 320 A
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Frequently Asked Questions - CT Ratio Calculator:

CT ratio Primary/Secondary shows how primary current is stepped down to a standardized secondary (e.g., 400/5).
I_s = I_p × (S_sec / P_ct). Example: CT 400/5, I_p 200A → I_s = 2.5A.
1 A and 5 A.
Pick CT primary ≥ expected max primary current and standard secondary (1/5A). Round up to next standard.
I_p = I_s × (P_ct / S_sec).
1A reduces burden current and wiring size; 5A is common for protection circuits.
CT can saturate and give inaccurate readings; never open-circuit secondary under load.
CT ratios are typically whole numbers; fractional secondary currents arise if primary current isn’t an integer multiple.
Effective primary = N×current; formula applies using effective primary current.
Refer to CT manufacturer catalogs; common primaries: 5,10,20,50,100,150,200,400,800 A etc.
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