Phase Angle Calculator

Calculate the phase angle of a coil with the Phase Angle Calculator and learn on the go with the integrated live example

The Phase Angle Calculator will calculate the phase angle of a coil using the inductive reactance and/or the capacitive reactance, and the resistance of the wire.

The phase angle represents the amount by which the voltage is either leading or lagging the current.

The formula to calculate the phase angle is:

$Tan\theta=\frac{X_{L}-X_{C}}{R}$

$\theta=Tan^{-1}(\frac{X_{L}-X_{C}}{R})$

Where
θ = Phase angle in degrees
X_L = Inductive reactance in ohms
X_C = Capacitive reactance in ohms
R = Resistance in ohms

The voltage is leading the current when the resulting number is positive, and the voltage is lagging the current when the resulting number is negative.

Example 1: Find the phase angle when the inductive reactance is 3200 ohms, the capacitive reactance is 6.3 ohms, and the resistance is 2 ohms

$Tan^{-1}(\frac{3200-6.3}{2})=89.964\; Degrees$

The voltage is leading the current.

Example 2: Find the phase angle when the inductive reactance is 400 ohms, the capacitive reactance is 6000 ohms, and the resistance is 9 ohms

$Tan^{-1}(\frac{400-6000}{9})=-89.908\; Degrees$

The voltage is lagging the current.

Using the Phase Angle Calculator

Inductive reactance: Enter the inductive reactance

Capacitive reactance: Enter the capacitive reactance

Resistance: Enter the resistance

Selecting units: You can choose your preferred units of measurement through selecting the units cells and clicking the downwards pointing arrow to display a list of available options

Learn As You Go: This feature displays a live example of how to calculate phase angle using the figures that you enter

Reference: ARRL – The Radio Amateur’s Handbook