PCB Trace Width

PCB Trace Width Calculator

This tool uses formulas from IPC-2221 to calculate the width of a copper printed circuit board conductor or "trace" required to carry a given current while keeping the resulting increase in trace temperature below a specified limit. If the length of the trace is also provided, the total resistance, voltage drop, and power loss due to trace resistance are also calculated. The results are estimates; actual results may vary depending on application conditions. Note also that required widths are significantly higher for traces on internal layers of a circuit board compared to those on a board’s outer surface; use whichever result is appropriate for your situation.

A

Formula

First, calculate the Area:

Then, calculate the Width:

For IPC-2221 internal layers: k = 0.024, b = 0.44, c = 0.725

For IPC-2221 external layers: k = 0.048, b = 0.44, c = 0.725

Where k, b, and c are constants resulting from curve fitting to the IPC-2221 curves.

Common values:

Thickness: 1 oz

Ambient: 25 C

Temp rise: 10 C

Minimum Trace Width

mil
Minimum Trace Width - Internal

Internal Layers

Ω
V
W

Minimum Trace Width

mil
Minimum Trace Width - External

External Layers in Air

Ω
V
W

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