Calculateur de Résistance LED

Calculez la résistance en série idéale pour n'importe quel circuit LED instantanément. Entrez la tension d'alimentation, la tension directe de la LED et le courant souhaité pour obtenir la valeur de la résistance, la résistance standard la plus proche, la dissipation de puissance et le code couleur.

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Comment Calculer les Résistances pour LED

Ohm's Law

Loi d'Ohm : R = (V_alim − V_led) ÷ I_led

Formula

Formule : R = (V_alim − (V_led × N)) ÷ I_led

Les LED nécessitent une résistance limiteuse de courant pour éviter les dommages. La résistance élimine le voltage excédentaire de la source d'alimentation tout en limitant le courant à la valeur souhaitée. Utilisez toujours une résistance avec une puissance nominale supérieure à celle calculée.

Tensions Directes Communes des LED

Puissance Nominale de la Résistance

Utilisez une résistance avec au moins 2× la puissance dissipée calculée pour la sécurité. Valeurs courantes : ¼W (0,25W), ½W (0,5W), 1W, 2W.

About LED Resistor Calculator

This free online calculator helps you find the ideal current-limiting resistor for any LED circuit. Whether you are building an Arduino project, repairing electronics, or designing custom lighting, choosing the correct resistor is essential to protect your LEDs from excessive current and ensure long lifespan. Simply enter your supply voltage, LED forward voltage, desired current, and number of LEDs in series to get the resistor value, nearest standard resistor, power dissipation, and color code. All calculations happen entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server.

Features

How to Use the LED Resistor Calculator

  1. Enter your power supply voltage (e.g., 5V for USB, 12V for automotive).
  2. Enter the LED forward voltage (Vf) or use a preset button for common colors (Red 2.0V, Green 2.2V, Blue 3.2V, etc.).
  3. Enter the desired LED current (typically 10–20 mA) or use a preset.
  4. Specify how many LEDs are connected in series (default is 1).
  5. Click Calculate to get the resistor value, standard resistor, and color code.
  6. Use the Copy button to save the results to your clipboard for your project documentation.

Common Use Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do LEDs need a current-limiting resistor?

LEDs are diodes with very low internal resistance when forward-biased. Without a resistor, current would increase uncontrollably, causing the LED to overheat and burn out within seconds. The resistor limits current to a safe value, typically 10–20 mA for standard LEDs.

What is LED forward voltage (Vf)?

Forward voltage is the minimum voltage required for the LED to conduct and emit light. Different LED colors have different Vf values: Red (1.8–2.2V), Green (2.1–2.4V), Blue/White (3.0–3.4V), Yellow/Orange (1.9–2.1V). The calculator includes presets for common values.

How do I calculate the resistor value for an LED?

Use Ohm's Law: R = (V_supply − V_LED) ÷ I_LED. For example, with a 5V supply, a red LED (2.0V), and 20mA current: R = (5 − 2.0) ÷ 0.020 = 150 Ω. This calculator automates this formula and finds the nearest standard resistor value.

What is the E24 resistor series?

E24 is a standard resistor series with 24 values per decade (1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0, 3.3, 3.6, 3.9, 4.3, 4.7, 5.1, 5.6, 6.2, 6.8, 7.5, 8.2, 9.1). These are the most common values available and sufficient for most LED applications.

How do I choose the resistor power rating?

The resistor dissipates power as heat, calculated as P = I² × R. For safety, choose a resistor with at least 2× the calculated power dissipation. Common ratings: ¼W (0.25W) for most LEDs, ½W (0.5W) for higher currents, and 1W or more for automotive or high-power applications.

Can I connect multiple LEDs in series?

Yes, you can connect multiple LEDs in series. The total voltage drop across all LEDs must be less than the supply voltage. The resistor drops the remaining voltage. The calculator validates this automatically and warns you if the supply voltage is insufficient.

What happens if I use the wrong resistor value?

A resistor that is too small allows excessive current, causing the LED to be very bright but shortening its lifespan or burning it out. A resistor that is too large limits current too much, making the LED dim or not light up at all. Always use the calculated value or the nearest standard resistor.

What is the resistor color code?

The resistor color code uses colored bands to indicate the resistance value and tolerance. For example, brown-black-brown = 100Ω ±1%. The calculator shows the color code for the nearest standard resistor, making it easy to find the right component in your parts bin.

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