Voltage divider
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Calculate the output voltage from two resistors in series, or find R2 given the desired Vout. Shows total current and power dissipated.
Vout = Vin × R2/(R1+R2)
Find R2 from Vout
E12 recommended
Parameters
Practical examples
12V → 3.3V (ESP32)
R1=68k, R2=27k → Vout = 12×27/(68+27) = 3.41 V. Close enough. Current: 126 µA, negligible.
Battery voltage sensor
Batteria 4.2 V LiPo, ADC max 3.3 V. R1=10k, R2=22k → Vout = 4.2×22/32 = 2.89 V. Dentro range.
Digital volume potentiometer
With fixed R1+R2 and variable wiper you simulate the divider. Output voltage proportional to position.
See also
Frequently asked questions
What is a voltage divider?
Two resistors in series between Vcc and GND. Output: Vout = Vcc × R2/(R1+R2).
How to divide 5V to 3.3V?
Ratio = 3.3/5 = 0.66. With R1=10kΩ: R2 ≈ 19.4kΩ → use 18kΩ (E24).
How to divide 12V to 5V?
Ratio = 5/12 ≈ 0.417. With R1=15kΩ: R2 ≈ 10.7kΩ → use 10kΩ or 11kΩ (E24).