basic

Quality Factor Q of an RLC Resonant Circuit Calculator

Q = ω₀ · L / R = (1 / R) · √(L / C).

Compute the quality factor Q of a series RLC circuit at resonance: Q = ω₀·L / R, where ω₀ = 1/√(LC). High Q (sharp resonance, low losses) means the circuit oscillates many times before damping out; low Q (broad peak, high losses) means heavy damping.

Dr. Helena Ortiz By Dr. Helena Ortiz
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

H
F
Ω

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

Q = (1/R) · √(L/C).

In depth

Compute the quality factor Q of a series RLC circuit at resonance: Q = ω₀·L / R, where ω₀ = 1/√(LC). High Q (sharp resonance, low losses) means the circuit oscillates many times before damping out; low Q (broad peak, high losses) means heavy damping.