Transformers and Power Supplies
Smoothing Capacitor Calculator
Estimate required capacitance with Smoothing Capacitor. The page keeps the formula, assumptions, and example values visible.
Enter values for required capacitance
Use one consistent electrical operating case for all fields.
How Smoothing Capacitor works
The displayed equation is C = I ÷ (ΔV × f). Smoothing Capacitor uses Load current, Allowed ripple-frequency product to report Required capacitance.
With the loaded values, required capacitance evaluates to 333,333.33 µF. Test one input at a time and save the original case.
Inputs for Smoothing Capacitor
Load current and Allowed ripple-frequency product belong to Smoothing Capacitor. Keep source units with load current.
The initial entries illustrate operation only. Use current records, readings, or nameplate values for planning.
- Load current
- Example entry: 2 A.
- Allowed ripple-frequency product
- Example entry: 6 V/s.
Reading the Smoothing Capacitor result
This output represents Smoothing Capacitor.
Use the result as a planning quantity before checking available ratings and protective requirements.
Measurement and units
Check component ratings, isolation requirements, temperature, waveform, and manufacturer limits. Check prefixes on load current.
Reconcile prefixes and units before comparing outputs.
Limits of this calculation
Capacitor ripple-current and voltage ratings also apply.
This worksheet does not model every behavior in the surrounding system. Unentered effects remain outside Smoothing Capacitor.
A useful Smoothing Capacitor comparison
Record required capacitance before testing a different load current value.
Document the alternate load current source.
Smoothing Capacitor record notes
Record source and operating details for load current. Compare this result with Buck Converter Calculator when ideal buck output is also needed.
Retain raw required capacitance beside its selected rating.
Questions about Smoothing Capacitor
What does Smoothing Capacitor calculate?
Smoothing Capacitor reports required capacitance.
Can Load current be zero?
For Smoothing Capacitor, measure any zero load current directly.
Why can required capacitance differ from measurement?
Capacitor ripple-current and voltage ratings also apply. Recheck load current.
Should the result be rounded?
Keep extra digits while comparing cases, then round to the precision supported by load current.