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Boost Converter Calculator

Calculate the output voltage of a DC-DC boost (step-up) converter

Volts (V)

Percentage (%) - Must be between 0 and 100%

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter Input Voltage

Enter the DC input voltage (Vin) in volts. This is the voltage supplied to the boost converter.

2

Enter Duty Cycle

Enter the duty cycle as a percentage (0-100%). The duty cycle is the ratio of ON time to the total switching period.

3

Calculate Output Voltage

Click the calculate button to get the output voltage. The calculator will also display the voltage gain.

Formula

Vout = Vin / (1 - D)

Where:

  • Vout = Output voltage (V)
  • Vin = Input voltage (V)
  • D = Duty cycle (as a decimal, 0 to 1)

Example 1:

Input voltage = 12 V, Duty cycle = 50%

Vout = 12 / (1 - 0.5) = 12 / 0.5 = 24 V

Example 2:

Input voltage = 5 V, Duty cycle = 75%

Vout = 5 / (1 - 0.75) = 5 / 0.25 = 20 V

About Boost Converter Calculator

The Boost Converter Calculator is a free online tool that helps you calculate the output voltage of a DC-DC boost (step-up) converter. A boost converter is a switching power supply circuit that increases the input voltage to a higher output voltage. This calculator is essential for engineers, students, and hobbyists working on power electronics projects.

When to Use This Calculator

  • Power Supply Design: Design boost converters for battery-powered devices that need higher voltage
  • LED Driver Circuits: Calculate voltage requirements for LED lighting systems
  • DC Motor Control: Determine output voltage for motor speed control applications
  • Solar Panel Systems: Step up low voltage from solar panels to usable levels
  • Educational Purposes: Learn about switching power supplies and DC-DC conversion

Why Use Our Calculator?

  • ✅ Instant Results: Get accurate output voltage calculations in seconds
  • ✅ Easy to Use: Simple interface requiring only input voltage and duty cycle
  • ✅ Accurate Formulas: Uses the standard boost converter equation
  • ✅ Voltage Gain Display: Shows the voltage multiplication factor
  • ✅ Free Tool: No registration or payment required
  • ✅ Educational Value: Includes formulas and examples for learning

Common Applications

Battery-Powered Devices: Many portable electronics use boost converters to step up battery voltage (3.7V, 9V) to higher voltages needed by components (12V, 24V). This is common in laptops, smartphones, and portable audio equipment.

LED Lighting: LED strips often require higher voltages than available from batteries. Boost converters efficiently step up voltage while maintaining constant current for proper LED operation.

Solar Power Systems: Solar panels may produce low voltages (12V-18V) that need to be boosted to charge batteries or power inverters. Boost converters are essential in MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controllers.

Automotive Electronics: Modern vehicles use boost converters to power various electronic systems that require voltages higher than the 12V battery supply.

Tips for Accurate Results

  • Enter duty cycle as a percentage (e.g., 50 for 50%, not 0.5)
  • Duty cycle must be between 0% and 100% (but not exactly 100%)
  • Higher duty cycles result in higher output voltages
  • Consider efficiency losses in real-world applications (actual output may be 5-15% lower)
  • This calculator assumes ideal conditions; real converters have parasitic resistances and switching losses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a boost converter?

A boost converter (step-up converter) is a DC-DC switching power supply that increases the input voltage to a higher output voltage. It uses an inductor, switch (usually a MOSFET), diode, and capacitor to achieve voltage step-up.

Why can't the duty cycle be 100%?

At 100% duty cycle, the switch would be always ON, and the inductor would never discharge. This would prevent the boost action from working. The formula requires D to be less than 1 for the output voltage to be higher than input.

Does this calculator account for efficiency losses?

No, this calculator provides ideal output voltage. Real boost converters have efficiency losses (typically 80-95%) due to switching losses, inductor resistance, and diode forward voltage. Multiply the result by efficiency to get realistic output.

What is the relationship between duty cycle and output voltage?

As duty cycle increases, output voltage increases. The relationship is non-linear: Vout = Vin / (1 - D). At 50% duty cycle, output is 2x input. At 75%, output is 4x input. At 90%, output is 10x input.

Can I use this for AC input?

No, this calculator is for DC-DC boost converters. For AC input, you would need an AC-DC converter first, then a boost converter if needed.