LC Resonant Frequency Calculator

A circuit frequently found in simple radio devices is that of the resonant LC circuit. The circuit is named based on the symbols used for the two key components in this circuit:

• L : Inductor
• C : Capacitor

Based on the values selected for these two components, it is possible to create a circuit that naturally resonates or vibrates when exposed to signals of a particular frequency. In radio this is useful as it allows one to “tune” to a particular frequency, selecting primarily signals with that frequency.

The formula that relates the tuned frequency to the parameters of these two components is:

$$ w_0 = {1 \over {2 \pi \sqrt{L C}}} $$

Where:

• \( w_0 \) is the frequency in Hz
• \( L \) is the Inductance in Henries
• \( C \) is the Capacitance in Farads

The calculator below can calulate any parameter once you provide the other two. For convenience, you may use common SI suffixes to represent small or large values.

• G for giga or \( 10^{9} \)
• M for mega or \( 10^{6} \)
• K for kilo or \( 10^{3} \)
• m for milli or \( 10^{-3} \)
• u for \( \mu \) or micro \( 10^{-6} \)
• n for nano or \( 10^{-9} \)
• p for pico or \( 10^{-12} \)

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