Reference chartLow code sensitivityLast reviewed June 1, 2026
Electrical reference chart
Ohm's Law Formula Chart
Use this Ohm's Law formula chart after the calculator result to document the solved variable, formula path, unit basis, and power cross-check.
Quick reference table
Ohm's Law connects voltage, current, and resistance with V = I x R. Power relationships add P = V x I, P = I^2 x R, and P = V^2 / R. Use this chart as the formula-selection worksheet, then use the calculator result when values, units, and notes need a repeatable record.
Ohm's Law formula selection
| Solve for | Use this formula | Known values needed |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | V = I x R | Current and resistance |
| Current | I = V / R | Voltage and resistance |
| Resistance | R = V / I | Voltage and current |
| Power from voltage and current | P = V x I | Voltage and current |
| Power from current and resistance | P = I^2 x R | Current and resistance |
| Power from voltage and resistance | P = V^2 / R | Voltage and resistance |
Calculator result cross-checks
| Result shows | Check next | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Current solved | Power should also match P = V x I | Confirms the current value was not entered with the wrong unit |
| Resistance solved | Confirm the value is ohms, not kilohms or milliohms | Prefix mistakes can change the answer by 1,000x |
| Power solved | Confirm whether the load is DC, resistive AC, or an AC load with power factor | Simple Ohm formulas are not a full AC power model |
| Very small or very large result | Recheck decimal placement and source units | Magnitude checks catch most formula-entry errors |
Ohm's Law search intent map
| If the search asks for | Use this chart for | Open the calculator when |
|---|---|---|
| Ohm's Law formula | Choosing the voltage, current, resistance, or power equation | Actual values need to be entered and checked with units |
| Voltage current resistance formula | Matching the known values to the unknown variable | The result should be saved with a project note or example |
| Watts volts amps relationship | Confirming whether the power relationship is P = V x I, I^2 x R, or V^2 / R | Power factor, phase, or AC equipment behavior changes the model |
| Resistance from watts and volts | Selecting the derived resistance formula before calculation | The load is not a simple resistive load or the result looks unusual |
Formula basis
V = I x R, I = V / R, R = V / I, P = V x I, P = I^2 x R, and P = V^2 / R.
- V is voltage in volts.
- I is current in amperes.
- R is resistance in ohms.
- P is real power in watts for the selected circuit condition.
Worked examples
Assumptions. Balanced load and line-to-line voltage assumptions behind this chart.
- The formulas assume a simple DC or resistive AC relationship unless the calculator documents a different load model.
- Power factor, phase, impedance, duty, and equipment behavior must be handled separately for AC project work.
- This chart is for formula selection and result checking, not conductor, breaker, fuse, or equipment sizing.
Code and standard notes. Planning limits that should be checked before final equipment selection.
- This chart is a formula reference and does not size conductors, breakers, fuses, or equipment.
How to use this chart
Worksheet checklist. Record source basis, review gaps, and assumptions before using the chart result.
- Record known valuesWrite the known voltage, current, resistance, or power values with units before choosing the equation.
- Mark the solved variableDocument which variable was solved so the result can be checked against the matching calculator output.
- Add load contextNote whether the load is resistive, DC, or an AC load needing power-factor or impedance review later.
Common mistakes to avoid. Review these before turning chart current into an equipment decision.
- Mixing watts, volts, amps, and ohms without first identifying which variable is being solved.
- Using simple resistance formulas for AC equipment where impedance, phase, or power factor changes the result.
- Entering milliamps, kilohms, or kilowatts into a base-unit formula without converting the prefix first.
Frequently asked questions
These answers explain how to use the chart without turning a quick reference into a final design decision.
Can this chart replace the calculator?
No. Use the chart to choose the right equation, then use the calculator when you need a documented input set, units, and result record.
Does Ohm's Law include power factor?
No. The basic formula chart covers simple voltage, current, resistance, and power relationships. AC loads with power factor need a dedicated calculator path.
Why show more than one power formula?
Different project notes may provide voltage and current, current and resistance, or voltage and resistance. The chart helps choose the formula that matches the values actually known.
Which Ohm's Law formula should I use first?
Start with the row that matches the two known values. If voltage and resistance are known, solve current with I = V / R; if voltage and current are known, solve power with P = V x I or resistance with R = V / I.
Related calculators
- Ohm's Law CalculatorCalculate voltage, current, resistance, and power using Ohm's Law and power formulas
- Voltage CalculatorCompute circuit voltage for DC and AC resistive loads from current, resistance, or power using standard Ohm's Law relationships (V = I × R, V = P / I, V = √(P × R)).
- Current CalculatorCalculate current, voltage, resistance, and power using core Ohm's Law relationships, optimized for current-focused workflows.
- Resistance CalculatorCalculate series, parallel, and complex resistance networks with temperature effects
- Power CalculatorElectrical power calculator for DC, single-phase AC, and balanced three-phase AC relationships between voltage, current, real power, apparent power, reactive power, and power factor.
Related charts
- Amps to Watts ChartConvert amps to watts: 2A at 120V = 240W, 12A = 1,440W, 16A = 1,920W; use voltage, phase, and PF for AC loads.
- Watts to Amps ChartUse this watts to amps chart: 1,500W at 120V = 12.5A; 1,500W at 240V = 6.3A; 9 kW at 240V = 37.5A.
- Energy and kWh Conversion ChartConvert watts, Wh, and kWh: 1,200 W for 3 hours is 3.6 kWh before rate, billing period, duty cycle, or cost checks.