RC Time Constant Calculator

Calculate time constant for RC circuits

Resistance (R) - kΩ

Capacitance (C) - µF

Time Constant (τ)

1.00 s

τ = R × C

1τ → 63.2%

1.00 s

2τ → 86.5%

2.00 s

3τ → 95%

3.00 s

4τ → 98.2%

4.00 s

5τ → 99.3%

5.00 s

Charge: 0% → 50%

693.15 ms

≈ 0.69τ

Charge: 0% → 90%

2.30 s

≈ 2.30τ

Discharge: 100% → 50%

693.15 ms

≈ 0.69τ

Discharge: 100% → 10%

2.30 s

≈ 2.30τ

• Time constant (τ): Time for capacitor to charge to 63.2%

• After 5τ, capacitor is 99.3% charged (considered fully charged)

• Charge: V(t) = Vmax × (1 - e^(-t/τ))

• Discharge: V(t) = Vmax × e^(-t/τ)

💡 Tip: RC circuits are used for filters, timers, and delays

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