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RC Time Constant Calculator

RC time constant, charge and discharge times, and the filter cut-off frequency.

Enter values

Results update as you type.

Result

Time constant τ

1 s

In milliseconds
1,000
Time to 63% charge
1 s
Time to 99% (5τ)
5 s
Cut-off frequency
0.1592 Hz

Charging curve

TimeVoltage (V)Charged
1τ = 1 s3.16163.2%
2τ = 2 s4.32386.5%
3τ = 3 s4.75195%
4τ = 4 s4.90898.2%
5τ = 5 s4.96699.3%

About the RC Time Constant Calculator

RC time constant, charge and discharge times, and the filter cut-off frequency.

Also known as: rc circuit calculator, tau calculator, capacitor charge time, rc filter cutoff.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter resistance, capacitance, supply voltage.
  2. The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
  3. Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
  4. Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.

Formula

τ = R × C · V(t) = V₀(1 − e^(−t/τ)) · f_c = 1 / 2πRC

Worked example

Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:

  • Resistance = 10,000 Ω
  • Capacitance = 100 µF
  • Supply voltage = 5 V

the calculator returns:

  • Time constant τ: 1 s
  • In milliseconds: 1,000
  • Time to 63% charge: 1 s
  • Time to 99% (5τ): 5 s