Inductive Reactance Calculator
Calculate inductive reactance from frequency and inductance.
Formula
XL = 2πfL.
What Is Inductive Reactance?
Inductive reactance is the opposition an inductor presents to alternating current because its magnetic field resists changes in current. It is measured in ohms.
Example Calculation
For L = 0.1 H at 50 Hz, XL = 2π × 50 × 0.1 ≈ 31.42 Ω.
Factors and Interpretation
Inductive reactance increases directly with both frequency and inductance. At higher frequencies an inductor limits AC current more strongly. The ideal formula does not include winding resistance, core losses or parasitic capacitance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to XL at 0 Hz?
Ideal inductive reactance becomes zero at DC steady state.
Is reactance the same as resistance?
No. Resistance dissipates power, while ideal reactance stores and returns energy.
What unit should inductance use?
Enter inductance in henries and frequency in hertz to get ohms.
Related Tools
What Inductive Reactance Means
Inductive reactance describes how an inductor opposes alternating current and is determined by inductance and signal frequency. Raising either frequency or inductance increases the calculated reactance. Unlike ordinary resistance, this value is frequency dependent. Real inductors also have winding resistance, core losses, parasitic capacitance, tolerance, and current limits, so measured circuit behavior can differ from the ideal XL calculation.
Formula and Practical Limits
Inductive reactance is XL = 2πfL for an ideal inductor under sinusoidal AC. Frequency and inductance both increase reactance, while winding resistance and core losses make real components depart from the ideal model.