Straight Wire Inductor Calculator

The formula for the inductance $L$ of a straight wire is indeed given as:

where:

• $L$ is the inductance in microhenries (µH),
• $\ell$ is the length of the wire in centimeters (cm),
• $d$ is the diameter of the wire in centimeters (cm),
• $\log$ denotes the common logarithm (base 10).

Explanation:

• The formula is specifically tailored for practical use in RF circuit design, where straight wire inductance can impact circuit performance.
• This formula provides a more accurate estimate of inductance by including empirical adjustments (the coefficients and constants) that account for real-world effects, such as the return path of current and proximity effects.
• It is used primarily in RF and microwave engineering for estimating inductances of short, straight conductors in circuit layouts.

This formula can be very helpful when designing RF circuits, such as inductor coils or calculating trace inductance on PCBs, where precision in inductance values is crucial for tuning and impedance matching.

AWG Table:

See also Air Core Inductor calculator and How to derive Inductance Formula of a Solenoid.