How do I calculate the output voltage of a buck converter?

For an ideal buck converter, the output voltage equals the input voltage multiplied by the duty cycle. Simply enter your input voltage and duty cycle (as a decimal between 0 and 1) into the calculator, and it will compute the output voltage for you.

What is the duty cycle in a buck converter?

The duty cycle is the fraction of time the switch is on during one switching period. It is a value between 0 and 1 (or 0% to 100%). In an ideal buck converter, the output voltage is directly proportional to the duty cycle.

Does this calculator account for real-world losses?

No, this calculator assumes an ideal buck converter with no losses. Real converters have voltage drops across the switch, diode, and inductor, so the actual output voltage will be slightly lower. This tool is for theoretical calculations and design estimates.

Physics

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Buck Converter Calculator.

Calculate ideal buck-converter output voltage from input voltage and duty cycle.

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Set your values

Results update as you type.

02 / ANSWER

Input voltage

Duty cycle

outputVoltage

conversionRatio

0.5

Results update automatically as you type.

FAQs

What does the buck converter calculator assume?

Calculate ideal buck-converter output voltage from input voltage and duty cycle. The result is an educational calculation using the stated idealized model; verify engineering or experimental decisions against applicable standards.

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Cite as: Mathify. (n.d.). Buck Converter Calculator. https://mathify.one/en/physics/buck-converter

Use Cases

Power supply design

Quickly estimate the output voltage for a given input voltage and duty cycle when designing a buck converter circuit.

Example: Input 12V, duty cycle 0.5 → output 6V

Educational understanding

Visualize the relationship between duty cycle and output voltage in a buck converter, reinforcing the fundamental principle.

Example: See how changing duty cycle from 0.25 to 0.75 affects output

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the output voltage of a buck converter?: For an ideal buck converter, the output voltage equals the input voltage multiplied by the duty cycle. Simply enter your input voltage and duty cycle (as a decimal between 0 and 1) into the calculator, and it will compute the output voltage for you.
What is the duty cycle in a buck converter?: The duty cycle is the fraction of time the switch is on during one switching period. It is a value between 0 and 1 (or 0% to 100%). In an ideal buck converter, the output voltage is directly proportional to the duty cycle.
Does this calculator account for real-world losses?: No, this calculator assumes an ideal buck converter with no losses. Real converters have voltage drops across the switch, diode, and inductor, so the actual output voltage will be slightly lower. This tool is for theoretical calculations and design estimates.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

Enter the duty cycle as a decimal (e.g., 0.5 for 50%) to get the correct output voltage.
For real-world designs, account for voltage drops by using a slightly higher duty cycle than the ideal calculation suggests.
Use this calculator to quickly check if your chosen duty cycle produces the desired output voltage for your input supply.
Remember that the output voltage cannot exceed the input voltage in a buck converter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Entering the duty cycle as a percentage (e.g., 50) instead of a decimal (0.5), leading to an output voltage 100 times too high.
Forgetting that this is an ideal calculation and not accounting for real-world losses like diode forward voltage and switch resistance.
Assuming the output voltage is independent of load current; in an ideal buck converter, output voltage is only a function of input voltage and duty cycle.

Last updated: August 13, 2026