How it works
Use parallel plate capacitor with the units stated beside the fields. This form solves for plate separation; enter the known quantities in Capacitance, Absolute permittivity, Area.
Inputs and units
| Input | Example value | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitance | 1.5E-10 F | Formula symbol: C. Required unit: F. Must be greater than zero. |
| Absolute permittivity | 7.5E-12 F/m | Formula symbol: ε. Required unit: F/m. Must be greater than zero. |
| Area | 0.015 m² | Formula symbol: A. Required unit: m². Must be greater than zero. |
Worked example
Show example inputs and results
This example is generated by the same calculation engine using the starting values in the form. Your own inputs produce your own result.
- Capacitance
- 1.5E-10 F
- Absolute permittivity
- 7.5E-12 F/m
- Area
- 0.015 m²
Complete example results
- Plate separation
- 0.00075 m
Reading the result
The result solves for plate separation from the entered quantities. Check the result unit and the formula conditions before using it.
Questions and answers
Can I use the example values for my own calculation?
The example values illustrate the calculation. Replace every input with your own information, especially dates, rates and the selected operation.
When can I use the plate separation result?
This model uses positive magnitudes. Permittivity is absolute ε, not a dimensionless relative coefficient. Separation is small compared with plate dimensions and dielectric is uniform; edge effects are excluded.
Why are some results rounded?
Results display up to 8 decimal places. Calculations use the unrounded values; very small values use scientific notation. JavaScript floating-point arithmetic can introduce tiny rounding differences.
Are my inputs sent to a server?
The calculator processes inputs in your browser. Its code does not send your values to a server.
Method sources: openstax.org