Trace Width Calculator

How to Use the PCB Trace Width Calculator

The PCB Trace Width Calculator is a useful tool designed to help you determine the required trace width for a given current, temperature rise, and copper thickness on a printed circuit board (PCB). Here’s a detailed guide on how to use it effectively.

Step 1: Enter the Current

Start by entering the current in amperes. Locate the field labeled Current (Amps). It is important to input a value that ranges between 0.1 and 100 Amps, using increments of 0.1. This field is mandatory, so ensure you provide an accurate current value for your application.

Step 2: Specify the Temperature Rise

Next, input the desired temperature rise in degrees Celsius in the field labeled Temperature Rise (°C). This value should be between 1 and 100°C, using whole number increments. Accurately specifying the temperature rise is essential to obtain a reliable trace width calculation, hence it is also a required field.

Step 3: Select the Copper Thickness

Proceed by entering or selecting the copper thickness, measured in ounces, in the Copper Thickness (oz) field. The allowed range is from 0.5 to 4 oz with steps of 0.5. This input is vital for calculation accuracy and must be filled out.

Step 4: Choose the PCB Layer

Finally, identify whether your PCB trace will be on an external or internal layer. This is done by selecting one of the options in the PCB Layer dropdown menu. You have two choices: External Layer or Internal Layer. It is imperative to choose the correct layer as it impacts the resultant trace width.

Results: Understanding Your Outputs

After entering all the required information, the calculator will provide you with three primary results:

• Required Trace Width: Displays the calculated trace width in mils. This result depends on the inputs you provided, such as current, temperature rise, thickness, and selected PCB layer.
• Required Trace Width (Metric): Offers the trace width in millimeters, converting the value from mils using the conversion factor provided (i.e., multiplication by 0.0254).
• Cross-sectional Area: Computes the cross-sectional area of the trace in square mils, using the calculated trace width and copper thickness.

Ensure to review each output carefully. The calculator conveniently formats these results to two decimal points, including their respective units, for clarity and precision.