Inductive Reactance (XL)

Enter frequency and inductance to compute XL instantly. Includes unit conversions and Show Work.

How to Use

  1. Enter Frequency (f) and select units (Hz/kHz/MHz).
  2. Enter Inductance (L) and select units (nH/µH/mH/H).
  3. Results update instantly and Show Work explains each step.
  4. Use Share Link to generate a URL that restores these settings.
Reactance Lab View
Inductive reactance increases with frequency and inductance.
f
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L
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ω
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XL
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Behavior: —
Formula
XL = 2π f L
Units
f in Hz, L in H, XL in Ω
Tip
At DC (f=0), XL = 0Ω (ideal inductor).
Inputs & Settings
Compute inductive reactance from frequency and inductance.
Common: 50/60 Hz, 1 kHz (audio), 10 MHz (RF)
Common: 1–100 µH (RF), 1–100 mH (filters), 0.1–10 H (power)
Show Work (step-by-step)
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Work is shown in base units (Hz, H, Ω). If you choose kHz/µH, the tool converts internally.

Inductive Reactance Formulas

Core formula: XL = 2π f L

Where f is frequency (Hz), L is inductance (H), and XL is reactance (Ω).

  • Angular frequency: ω = 2π f
  • Inductive reactance: XL = ωL
Note: This is ideal reactance (no coil resistance, core losses, or saturation effects included).

FAQ

Why is XL zero at DC?

Because f = 0 so XL = 2π f L = 0. In an ideal model, an inductor is a short at steady-state DC.

Does inductive reactance equal resistance?

No. Reactance is frequency-dependent opposition to AC. Real inductors also have winding resistance (DCR) that adds real (resistive) loss.

What changes XL the most?

Both f and L scale reactance linearly. Doubling frequency doubles XL; doubling inductance also doubles XL.

Is this valid for any waveform?

For a pure sine wave at a single frequency, yes. Complex waveforms contain multiple frequencies; each harmonic experiences a different XL.

Tool Info

Last updated:

Updates may include expanded unit support, presets, and edge-case handling.