Electric power

P=UI=I2R=U2RP=UI=I^2R=\dfrac{U^2}{R}

Result unit: W (watt)

What it describes

The power dissipated by an electrical load.

Symbols

PP
power
[W]
UU
voltage
[V]
II
current
[A]
RR
resistance
[Ω]

Where it comes from

The power of a load is the product of voltage and current. Knowing the resistance, it can be written as I2RI^2R or U2/RU^2/R — convenient when you know RR.

When to use it

Heaters, light bulbs, selecting fuses and device power ratings.

Example

A light bulb powered by 230 V draws 0.26 A. Calculate its power.
SubstitutionU=230U=230 V, I=0.26I=0.26 A.
ResultP=230⋅0.26≈60P=230\cdot0.26\approx60 W.

Related formulas

Found this formula useful? Share it.

It's free — send it to a friend who's revising.

Teaching? Embed this formula on your site.

Free widget — paste it on your school site, blog or notes. It links to the full version.

Teaching a class or tutoring? Guide students in NexTutor →