OctaInductive Reactance Calculator
Enter an inductance value and signal frequency to instantly calculate inductive reactance (XL) and angular frequency (ω). Supports all common unit prefixes — switch between H, mH, µH and Hz, kHz, MHz without manual conversion.
Results update instantly as you type.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your inductance value and choose the correct unit — H (henries), mH (millihenries), or µH (microhenries). Then enter the signal frequency and pick Hz, kHz, or MHz. The calculator converts everything to base units automatically and displays the results instantly.
The result panel shows inductive reactance in the most readable unit (Ω, kΩ, or MΩ), angular frequency in rad/s, and a note about how XL behaves in a purely inductive circuit. The formula used is displayed beneath the results for reference.
Formula
Inductive reactance is calculated using:
Angular frequency can be found separately:
Which gives an equivalent form:
Where:
- XL = Inductive reactance (Ω)
- f = Frequency (Hz)
- L = Inductance (H)
- ω = Angular frequency (rad/s)
- π ≈ 3.14159
Example
Given: L = 10 mH, f = 1 kHz
Convert units:
10 mH = 0.01 H | 1 kHz = 1000 Hz
Apply formula:
XL = 2π × 1000 × 0.01
Calculate angular frequency:
ω = 2π × 1000 = 6283.19 rad/s
XL = 62.83 Ω
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inductive reactance?
Inductive reactance (XL) is the opposition an inductor presents to alternating current. Unlike resistance, it is frequency-dependent — higher frequencies produce higher reactance, making the inductor increasingly restrictive to AC signals.
Why does inductive reactance increase with frequency?
An inductor generates a back-EMF proportional to the rate of change of current. At higher frequencies, current changes more rapidly, so the induced voltage opposing that change also increases. This is described mathematically by XL = 2πfL.
What happens at DC (zero frequency)?
At DC (f = 0 Hz), inductive reactance is zero. An ideal inductor passes DC without restriction — it behaves like a short circuit. This is why inductors are used in low-pass filters and chokes.
What is angular frequency and how does it relate to XL?
Angular frequency (ω) expresses frequency in radians per second rather than cycles per second. It equals 2πf. Because one full cycle spans 2π radians, the two are directly interchangeable, and XL = ωL is an equivalent form of the main formula.
Is XL the same as impedance for a real inductor?
For an ideal inductor, impedance Z = jXL, which has magnitude XL. Real inductors also have winding resistance (DCR), so total impedance is Z = R + jXL. This calculator computes the reactance component only.