Aisha K.
Mar 12, 2026
Clean layout and the results update instantly. Exactly what I needed for a quick planning check.
Electronics & Hardware Engineering
PCB Trace Width Calculator — Current Capacity per IPC-2221
Width (mil) ≈ (current / (k × ΔT^0.44))^(1/0.725) where k depends on copper oz.
Estimate PCB trace width needed to carry a given current safely. Planning estimates only — verify with production tools and vendor pricing where applicable.
Inputs
0.150
0.53
550
Smart analysis
Recommendations
Tailored to your live inputs and result—guidance only, not professional advice.
- Interpret
Treat this as a planning estimate
Primary result: Min trace width = 42.4 mil. Re-run with optimistic and pessimistic inputs to understand the range—not just a single point.
Scenario studio
Compare A vs B
Capture two sets of inputs on this device, then see which outcome wins. Share either scenario with a link.
Scenario A
Adjust inputs, then capture this slot.
Scenario B
Adjust inputs, then capture this slot.
Plain-English guide
Terms & how it works
Confused by a field? Read the short definitions here while you use the tool.
Current (A)
The “Current (A)” value used in this tool’s formula. Adjust it to see results update live.
Copper weight (oz)
The “Copper weight (oz)” value used in this tool’s formula. Adjust it to see results update live.
Allowed temp rise (°C)
The “Allowed temp rise (°C)” value used in this tool’s formula. Adjust it to see results update live.
How this calculator works
Estimate PCB trace width needed to carry a given current safely. Planning estimates only — verify with production tools and vendor pricing where applicable. Width (mil) ≈ (current / (k × ΔT^0.44))^(1/0.725) where k depends on copper oz. Example: 2 A, 1 oz copper, 10°C rise → ~30 mil (0.76 mm) trace width.
Width (mil) ≈ (current / (k × ΔT^0.44))^(1/0.725) where k depends on copper oz.
Example: 2 A, 1 oz copper, 10°C rise → ~30 mil (0.76 mm) trace width.
When to use this PCB Trace Width
Common use cases
- Estimate PCB trace width needed to carry a given current safely.
- Sanity-check with this case: 2 A, 1 oz copper, 10°C rise → ~30 mil (0.76 mm) trace width.
- The relationship is: Width (mil) ≈ (current / (k × ΔT^0.44))^(1/0.725) where k depends on copper oz.
Localized examples
- Electronics & Hardware Engineering: the example on this page uses the same formula as the widget.
What you get
- Fields: Current (A), Copper weight (oz), Allowed temp rise (°C)
- Width (mil) ≈ (current / (k × ΔT^0.44))^(1/0.725) where k depends on copper oz.
- Example on the page: 2 A, 1 oz copper, 10°C rise → ~30 mil (0.76 mm) trace width.
How to Calculate PCB Trace Width Step-by-Step
- 1Enter Current (A), Copper weight (oz), Allowed temp rise (°C). Use the values you have, not a catalog average, unless that is all you know.
- 2Width (mil) ≈ (current / (k × ΔT^0.44))^(1/0.725) where k depends on copper oz.
- 3Worked case: 2 A, 1 oz copper, 10°C rise → ~30 mil (0.76 mm) trace width.
- 4Compare the result to last month’s invoice or a vendor calculator before you commit capacity.
Governing formula
Width (mil) ≈ (current / (k × ΔT^0.44))^(1/0.725) where k depends on copper oz.
2 A, 1 oz copper, 10°C rise → ~30 mil (0.76 mm) trace width.
Example: set Current (A) = 2, Copper weight (oz) = 1, Allowed temp rise (°C) = 10, then read the result.
Variable definitions
- currentA
Current (A)
The “Current (A)” field. Default 2; typical range 0.1–50.
- copperOz
Copper weight (oz)
The “Copper weight (oz)” field. Default 1; typical range 0.5–3.
- tempRiseC
Allowed temp rise (°C)
The “Allowed temp rise (°C)” field. Default 10; typical range 5–50.
- Closed-form math (Width (mil) ≈ (current / (k × ΔT^0.44))^(1/0.725) where k depends on copper oz.) misses idle time, egress, packet loss, and reserved capacity on the real bill.
- Nothing here is uploaded for the calculation itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Width (mil) ≈ (current / (k × ΔT^0.44))^(1/0.725) where k depends on copper oz.
Related calculators
Electronics & Hardware Engineering
- Battery Life / Runtime EstimatorCalculate how many hours a battery will run at a given load current.
- Capacitor RC Time Constant CalculatorCompute RC time constant and capacitor charge times.
- Decibel (dB) to Watt/Volt ConverterConvert dB to power and voltage ratios relative to a reference.
- LED Resistance CalculatorFind the series resistor value for a given supply voltage and LED forward voltage.
- Ohm's Law CalculatorSolve for voltage, current, resistance, and power in DC circuits.
- Power Supply (PSU) Wattage CalculatorSize a desktop PSU from CPU, GPU, and system component power draw.
Get a note when we add a planner
Occasional email when something new is worth opening. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.
Discover & search
Explore More Tools
Related tools in Electronics & Hardware Engineering — strengthening topical internal links.
Same category · 3 tools
Browse all →Resistor Color Code Calculator
Electronics & Hardware Engineering
Decode 4-band resistor color codes into resistance in ohms.
Ohm's Law Calculator
Electronics & Hardware Engineering
Solve for voltage, current, resistance, and power in DC circuits.
LED Resistance Calculator
Electronics & Hardware Engineering
Find the series resistor value for a given supply voltage and LED forward voltage.
Community
Reviews & Ratings
See what others think about this tool, then leave your own rating to help improve CalculioHub.
4.8
out of 5.0
4 reviews
Daniel R.
Feb 28, 2026
Very usable on mobile. Would love a save/export option later, but the math feels solid.
Priya S.
Feb 3, 2026
The FAQ section answered my questions before I even had to search. Smooth dark mode too.
Marcus L.
Jan 19, 2026
Simple inputs, clear outputs. This replaced three bookmarks I used to juggle.
Improve this tool
Suggestion Box
Share an idea, report a bug, or send general feedback for PCB Trace Width Calculator. Your input helps shape what we build next.