LED Resistor

Choose the ideal series resistor for an LED from supply voltage, forward voltage and target current.

How this calculator works

Enter the values for first value, second value and review the units before calculating.

Formula / method

R = (Vs − Vf) ÷ I

Worked example

A 9 V supply, 2 V LED and 20 mA target require 350 Ω ideally.

Assumptions and limitations

Current is converted from milliamps to amps and the LED is used in a simple series circuit.

Choose a standard resistor with adequate power rating and verify actual LED behavior.