Electronics
RC Time Constant
Supply a resistor and capacitor value (in any popular unit) to calculate the RC time constant and common charging milestones.
Compute τ = RC along with the time to reach 63%, 95%, and 99% charge in a simple RC circuit.
Exponential charge
τ = R × C
V(t) = V₀ (1 − e^{−t/τ})Once τ is known, 63% charge is reached at one time constant, ~95% at 3τ, and ~99% near 5τ. The calculator reports each checkpoint automatically.
How to use
- Select the units for R (Ω, kΩ, MΩ) and C (F → nF).
- Enter the numeric values for resistor and capacitor.
- Read τ in seconds plus the time to reach 63%, 95%, and 99% of the final voltage.
Example
Input: R = 4.7 kΩ, C = 10 µF
Output: τ ≈ 0.047 s, 95% ≈ 0.141 s, 99% ≈ 0.235 s
Student-friendly breakdown
This walkthrough emphasizes the most searched ideas for RC Time Constant: RC Time Constant. Start with the formula above, then follow the guided steps to double-check your work. For quick revision, highlight the givens, plug into the equation, and finish by verifying your units.
Need more support? Use the links below to open the long-form guide, browse additional examples, or hop into adjacent calculators within the same topic. Each resource is interlinked so crawlers (and readers) can discover the next best action within a couple of clicks—one of the easiest ways to lift topical authority.
Deep dive & study plan
The RC Time Constant is a go-to tool whenever you need to finds τ = r·c plus the time to hit 63%, 95%, and 99% charge levels.. It focuses on rc circuit, time constant, tau, which means searchers often arrive with intent-heavy queries like “how to rc time constant quickly” or “rc time constant formula explained.” Use this calculator to capture those intents and keep learners on the page long enough to send positive engagement signals.
Under the hood, the calculator leans on once τ is known, 63% charge is reached at one time constant, ~95% at 3τ, and ~99% near 5τ. the calculator reports each checkpoint automatically.—that’s why we surface the full expression (“τ = R × C V(t) = V₀ (1 − e^{−t/τ})”) directly above the interactive widget. When you embed that formula inside H2s or supporting paragraphs, you help both humans and crawlers understand what entity the page represents.
Execution matters as much as the math. Follow the built-in procedure: Step 1: Select the units for R (Ω, kΩ, MΩ) and C (F → nF). Step 2: Enter the numeric values for resistor and capacitor. Step 3: Read τ in seconds plus the time to reach 63%, 95%, and 99% of the final voltage.. Each numbered instruction is short enough to scan on mobile but descriptive enough to satisfy Google’s Helpful Content guidelines. Encourage students to jot down units, double-check signs, and compare answers with the Example card to build confidence.
The Example section itself is packed with semantic clues: “R = 4.7 kΩ, C = 10 µF” leading to “τ ≈ 0.047 s, 95% ≈ 0.141 s, 99% ≈ 0.235 s.” Pepper similar narratives throughout your copy (and internal links from related guides) so canonical search intents are answered without pogo-sticking back to Google.
Quick retention checklist
- Speak the formula aloud (or annotate it) so the relationships stick.
- Write each step in your own words and compare with the numbered list above.
- Swap in new numbers for the Example to make sure the calculator (and your logic) handles edge cases.
- Link out to at least two related calculators to keep readers exploring your topical hub.
FAQ & notes
Does this apply to discharge as well?
Yes. RC discharge follows the same time constant; the milestones tell you when voltage decays to 37%, 5%, and 1%.
Can I include load resistance?
The base formula assumes a single resistor. Combine equivalent resistances first, then plug the result into the calculator.
What formula does the RC Time Constant use?
Once τ is known, 63% charge is reached at one time constant, ~95% at 3τ, and ~99% near 5τ. The calculator reports each checkpoint automatically.
How do I use the RC Time Constant?
Select the units for R (Ω, kΩ, MΩ) and C (F → nF). Enter the numeric values for resistor and capacitor. Read τ in seconds plus the time to reach 63%, 95%, and 99% of the final voltage.