Wheatstone Bridge Calculator
Find Unknown Resistance
Rx = R3 × R2 / R1 (balanced bridge condition)
Bridge Voltage (Unbalanced)
Calculate the voltage across the bridge for any four resistors
Formula
Balance: R1 × Rx = R2 × R3 | Rx = R3 × R2 / R1 | Vbridge = Vs × (R3/(R3+R1) - R4/(R4+R2))
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Wheatstone bridge?
A Wheatstone bridge is a circuit of four resistors arranged in a diamond pattern with a voltage source across one diagonal and a measurement device across the other. When balanced (R1×Rx = R2×R3), no current flows through the galvanometer, allowing precise measurement of unknown resistance.
When is a Wheatstone bridge balanced?
The bridge is balanced when the ratio of resistors on one side equals the ratio on the other: R1/R3 = R2/Rx, or equivalently R1×Rx = R2×R3. At balance, the voltage across the bridge (galvanometer) is zero.
What are common applications of Wheatstone bridges?
Wheatstone bridges are used in strain gauge measurements, temperature sensors (RTDs), pressure transducers, load cells, and precision resistance measurement. They are excellent at detecting small changes in resistance with high accuracy.
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