RMS Voltage ↔ dBV
Convert Vrms to dBV (ref: 1.000 Vrms) and back. Includes Show Work + reference values.
How to Use
- Enter a value in RMS Voltage or dBV.
- Choose voltage units if needed (µV / mV / V).
- See results instantly and open Show Work for formulas and steps.
- Use Share Link only when you want a shareable URL (no auto URL changes).
Reference & Readout
dBV uses a 1.000 Vrms reference:
dBV = 20·log10(Vrms / 1V)Vrms
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dBV
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Vpeak
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Vpp
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Level:
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Tip: For sine waves only, Vpeak ≈ Vrms·√2 and Vpp ≈ 2·Vpeak.
Show Work (step-by-step)
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Work uses base units where applicable: Vrms in volts (V) and dBV referenced to 1.000 V.
Reference Values (dBV ↔ Vrms)
Common checkpoints for quick sanity checks.
| dBV | Vrms | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| +20 | 10.000 V | 10× voltage |
| +6.02 | 2.000 V | 2× voltage |
| 0 | 1.000 V | Reference |
| −6.02 | 0.500 V | ½ voltage |
| −20 | 0.100 V | 100 mV |
| −40 | 0.010 V | 10 mV |
| −60 | 0.001 V | 1 mV |
Reminder: dBV is a voltage level (ref 1 Vrms). If you need power levels, use dBm (requires impedance).
FAQ
What is dBV referenced to?
dBV is referenced to 1.000 Vrms. So 0 dBV = 1 Vrms.
What’s the formula?
Voltage → dBV: dBV = 20 · log10(Vrms / 1V)
dBV → Voltage: Vrms = 10^(dBV/20) · 1V
Does dBV depend on impedance?
No. dBV is purely voltage referenced to 1 Vrms. (dBm is power referenced to 1 mW and does depend on impedance.)
Why show Vpeak and Vpp?
Those are handy for scope work, but they’re only directly related to Vrms for a sine wave.
Tool Info
Last updated:
Updates may include UI improvements, unit handling, and edge-case validation.