Electronics & Engineering

Capacitor Energy Calculator (Joules and Charge)

Enter the capacitance and voltage.

Your numbers

Your results

Stored energy (J)
Stored energy (J)
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Charge (mC)
—
Energy released discharging to the lower voltage (J)
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Stored energy (mWh)
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Capacitor Energy Calculator (Joules and Charge) by TheCalcTools

How the Capacitor Energy Calculator (Joules and Charge) works

A capacitor stores energy E = ½CV² in its electric field, and charge Q = CV. Energy grows with the square of the voltage, so doubling the voltage stores four times the energy.

Large capacitors in power supplies and camera flashes can hold a dangerous charge long after power is removed. Discharge them safely through a suitable resistor.

The formula

E = ½ C V²; Q = C V

Worked example

Using the default values shown in the calculator:

Capacitance (µF)4700
Voltage (V)50
Discharged down to (V)0
  1. 4700 µF at 50 V stores 5.8750 J and 235.000 mC of charge.

Result:

Stored energy (J)5.8750
Charge (mC)235.000
Energy released discharging to the lower voltage (J)5.8750
Stored energy (mWh)1.6319

Frequently asked questions

How much energy is in a 4700 µF capacitor at 50 V?

About 5.9 joules.

Sources and further reading

More in Electronics & Engineering · All calculators

This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.