How To Do PCB Trace Width Calculator

RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY
How To Do PCB Trace Width Calculator ?

A PCB trace width is simply a parameter defining the distance covered
across a circuit board’s trace. Some other well-known parameters here
include trace thickness and spacing. Four major factors influence the PCB
trace width. These include:
 The desired length of the trace
 The spacing required between these traces
 The size of the board’s conductive layer
 The capacity of the trace necessary to carry current
Table of Contents
PCB Trace Width Calculator: What does this mean?
No matter the type of industry you work in, every day you may use a
printed circuit board. These devices are very important to how electronics
function. Also, they connect and offer mechanical support to electrical
components. This is to ensure that they operate properly.
When utilizing Printed Circuit Boards to sustain computers, lighting
technology, or medical equipment, they must operate with the right trace
PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

width. Using a circuit calculator, you will be sure of the safety of your
printed circuit board. They will also stay functional all the time.
The use of the IPC-2221 standard is the major factor in the derivation of
a PCB trace width calculator. This standard helps in calculating
the conductive track width of a printed circuit board (PCB). It is advisable
that you design the PCB traces in order to bear the highest current load
even before they start malfunctioning.
The determination of the copper width calculation, at a specific thickness,
is necessary. This helps in allowing the transfer or movement of a
particular current value. In addition, the copper thickness and width need
to be enough to help maintain the rise in temperature at levels below the
input.
Request PCB Trace Width Calculator
How to get Trace Width Making Use of a PCB Trace Width
Calculator

PC
B Trace Width Calculator
This calculator needs the imputation of some values to know the trace’s
desired width. The representation of this width is in mils & deals with the
utilization of some values. These include:
 The conductive layer’s area, which is usually in mils square
 The trace’s thickness, which is in ounces/sq ft
What differentiates the External vs. Internal PCB Trace Width
Calculators?

Internal PCB trace width calculators are tools that determine the required
width of an internal trace. The determination of this internal trace width is
to help carry a specific current amount.
External PCB trace width calculators are similar tools, which tell an
external trace’s width. The result of the trace width also, is useful for the
transfer of the current of a particular amount.
Consequently, the difference seen between the external and internal
traces has to do with their location. This location relates to the substrate
of the board.
Also read about SMT Engineer
Why is Using a PCB Trace Width Calculator Important?
During the production of PCBs, you will discover that the limitations of
current-carry are a major constraint.
You may trace a PCB successfully and then later discover that it will not be
able to carry the needed amount of current effectively. Consequently, the
printed circuit board’s intended application experiences a setback. This is
due to the inadequate current capacity.

Making use of your PCB trace width calculator ensures the conductance of
the right current value. Using this circuit calculator, you may utilize the
highest current rating you desire to know the width of your trace.
In addition, you may influence the rise in temperature which your PCB
records. This is possible by making use of your PCB trace width calculator.
More Facts about the PCB Trace Width Calculator
Engineers often utilize the PCB trace width calculator in the fabrication
process of a PCB. This tool helps to detect a lot of things in a circuit board.
Before fabricating a PCB, you need to understand how the element works.
Other important things you need to know about this tool are discussed
here.
It is very important you detect the conductive layer’s area. You can use
some constant values to determine this area. The IPC-2221 can help you
to derive the constant values which are b, k, and c. These values vary
depending on the location of the trace. The location of the trace can either
be internal or external. The values of these constants are requirements for
conductive material.
Detecting the temperature of the trace helps to know your PCB’s
thermal performance. This plays a significant role in knowing the
important properties of a PCB. You can sum the highest desired increase

in the temperature. This will help you to get the overall temperature
trace. The values of the temperature are in °C.
The PCB trace width calculator has a mil. This mil plays a vital role. In the
PCB world, mil is a terminology. It is frequently used when talking about
the thickness of the circuit board layer. For instance, you can express
copper thickness in ounces and as well as convert it to mils.
You don’t need the trace width to determine dissipated power and the
voltage decrease. However, you need to understand the resistance value
and the value of maximum current. This will help to tell or reveal the loss
of power and voltage drop.
Use the overall resistance value and the maximum current value to get
voltage drop. Multiply the maximum current value’s square and the value
of resistance to get the power loss. All of these things should be taken into
consideration. This will help calculate the voltage drop and the dissipated
power.
What Does It Mean To Experience a Rise In Temperature When
Calculating The PCB Trace Width?
When there is a flow of current via a conductive trace, there is a
generation of heat. This is a result of the resistance it gives to the
conductor’s flow of current.

The increase in temperature defines the generation of heat. We refer to
this as the rise in temperature. Also, you may determine how much rise in
temperature your PCB will be able to sustain. This is possible by making
use of a PCB trace width calculator.
When you provide PCB trace widths that are wider, you will be able to
reduce the buildup of heat. This then results in a rise in temperature.
For many printed circuit boards, a temperature rise of 10 degrees is safe.
Otherwise, you can fabricate boards to withstand a higher value in
temperature rise. Also, you will find the application’s environment. This
will help influence the board’s overall temperature.
Can You Extract Other Measurements By Using the PCB Trace
Width Calculator?
PCB trace width calculators allow you to be able to establish different PCB
measures. You can include additional input parameters. These include the
trace’s length and the temperature for operation. This helps to extract
additional measurements. Due to this, you can determine the measures
below.
 The power dissipated along the trace
 A drop in voltage across the pcb trace
 The trace’s resistance value

 The trace’s rise in temperature
Can Board Spokes Be Subject to Trace Width Calculation?
Now PCB wagon wheels or spokes are features of the board design. These
features help in simplifying the process of soldering for any ground plane.
They look like traces. However, they have a short length and are usually
inserted inside the plane. Whenever you are making use of a trace width
calculator, people hardly consider the spoke. This is because not all
printed circuit boards have them.
It is however compulsory to ensure that spokes have a reduced width
compared to actual traces. This is done without basing it on calculations.
Can we regard the Cross sectional Area of the Conductive
Layer as an Important Parameter in Calculating a PCB Trace
Width?
Yes, this is a very important parameter. The conductive layer’s cross
sectional area is a very significant input when ascertaining the PCB trace
width calculator.
This area in question is given in mils squared. This area is useful as the
numerator for the calculation of the division of the trace width.

Determining the conductive layer’s cross sectional area requires some
parameters. These parameters are highlighted below.
 The maximum rise in temperature permitted which is in °C
 Three constants c, b, and k are different when there are external or
internal traces.
 The maximum current permitted which is calculated in Amperes
Can the PCB Trace Width Calculator Detect the Trace
Resistance?
To get your trace’s resistance value, you can make use of a PCB trace
width calculator. PCB engineers have to calculate the trace width to know
the value of resistance. The below parameters is needed for the trace
width:
 The trace length in centimeters
 The overall or total temperature of trace
 The trace thickness measured in ounces/ sq ft
 The conductive layer’s cross sectional area
 The conductive material’s resistivity value
Calculating the current-carrying capacity

Calculating the current of the trace width of a PCB is very important. You
can achieve this by using different methods. There is a method that
utilizes a circuit calculator that determines the current of a PCB
trace. Another method utilizes the PCB width calculator.
It is very important to detect the current carrying capacity of the
board. You need it when you have to evaluate the application limit of the
board. Knowing the current limitations of the PCB trace width is
important. It will help you to prevent exposing the circuit boards to
possible damaging use.
What Determines Maximum Current-carrying Capacity?
The cross sectional area of the trace often determines the current carrying
capacity. The temperature rise is also important. The trace’s cross
sectional area is directly proportional to the copper thickness. The same
goes for the trace width.
To get the maximum carrying capacity, you need a simple formula. Some
practical cases are not easy to calculate. This is due to the rise in
temperature and cross sectional area. Other things also determine the
current carrying capacity of the trace. These things may include vias,
components, and pads.

Traces that have many pads will function more than ordinary traces.
Engineers place circuit boards on some trace between pads. This happens
when there is abundant solder paste on pins or components. When this
occurs, it results in an increased cross sectional area. Increasing the trace
width provides a solution to this problem.
When you can’t widen a trace, you can apply a solder mask on traces.
The surface Mount Technology procedure needs solder paste. Trace
width will increase after reflow soldering. This will help the current
carrying-capacity to also rise.
One can get the trace current carrying capacity of a PCB using a formula.
This application is ideal for straightforward trace calculation. It is
important to consider contaminant pollution in the fabrication of a PCB.
Pollution can result in the breaking down of some traces. There must be a
security factor to prevent the issue of overloading.
Engineers also need to pay special attention to turning traces. If there is
an acute angle in a trace, there will be a non-smooth transfer. This can
have an effect on small traces or current with a large width. However,
when the current-carrying capacity is low, there might be issues.
What is the difference between external and internal trace
widths?

People wonder how to differentiate between the external and internal
traces. You can know the differences through their location. Internal
traces are PCB’s inner layers while external traces are on the
outer surfaces of the PCB.
You will realize that the internal traces are greater than the external traces.
It is vital you note that the parameters ‘values for both internal and
external traces may vary. These parameters are the conductive material’s
constant values and cross sectional area.
With time, you will notice that this is due to the various thermal
requirements and construction differences. The major function of this PCB
trace width calculator is taking control of the rise in temperature. When
you expose external traces, they allow heat to discharge partly via
convection.
Layers that are not conductive cover internal layers which lead to the
accumulation of heat. To increase heat dispersion’s surface area, the
internal traces have to be bigger.
Are there other ways to detect the amount of current a PCB
can carry?
There is no doubt that the PCB trace width calculator helps to detect the
current capacity a trace can take. However, you need to understand some

features of the board. These things can help to add more to the carrying
capacity of the trace.
For example, the vias system and the pads can affect the amount of
current that can move via a trace. In a PCB, conductive vias provide
alternative ways for the flow of current. This allows the production of
narrower traces.
Due to this, there can be a huge circuit density that boosts the
performance capabilities of the board. Another factor that can cause
current flow of trace is the amount of attached parts onboard. You will
realize that some electronic components feature great power demands.
These components come with exceptional thermal dissipations.
With this explanation, one can easily say that a PCB trace width calculator
is very important. In the fabrication of a printed circuit board, engineers
need this tool. It is a very important tool that cannot be overlooked in the
PCB industry. It has got a lot of benefits and has also made the fabrication
of PCB an easy process. PCB manufacturers are very much familiar with
the PCB trace width calculator.
Formulas Associated with PCB Trace Width Calculator
For a PCB trace width calculator, you have to understand some basic
formulas. These formulas will help understand your calculator better.

Trace Temperature
This is an important element that helps you get your trace width. You can
calculate the trace temperature by summing T RISE and T AMB. You only
need three total parameters to calculate trace temperature.
 T TEMP is Trace temperature
 The T AMB is ambient temperature
 T RISE is the maximum rise of the desired temperature
Power Dissipation Calculator
When an electronic device produces heat then there is power dissipation.
This can lead to loss or waste of energy. To get the power dissipation, you
need the maximum current and resistance value. Therefore, P Loss= R * I2
 Power loss = P Loss
 Resistance = R
 Maximum current = I
The maximum current uses ohms for its measurement while resistance
uses watts.
Max Current
To get the maximum current, use A= (T X W X 1.378 [mils/oz/ ft2)

 [Mils2] is the trace thickness
 A is the cross section area
 [oz/ft2] W is the width of the trace
After solving this equation you can now detect the maximum current. Use
this IMAX = Ac x (k x T RISEb) to achieve this.
The parameters mean
 Maximum current= [mils] IMAX
 Maximum rise of desired temperature= [A] TRISE
 Constants =b, k, and c
Voltage Drop Calculation
When calculating the voltage drop of a PCB, you need trace resistance and
maximum current. The voltage drop measures the reduction of electrical
potential in an electrical circuit.
Voltage drop= Maximum current * trace resistance.
Resistance Calculation
You will have to convert the cross-section area when you want to calculate
the PCB’s trace resistance. Resistance= (1 + a * (T TEMP – 25 degree Celsius)
(p * L / A).

 Trace thickness= T
 The trace temperature = [1/ °C] T TEMP
 Trace width= [oz/ft2]
 Resistivity temperature coefficient =[cm] α
 Trace resistance= [mils] R
 Trace length= [Ω · cm] L
Frequently Asked Questions
It could be a difficult and confusing process when you are calculating the
trace width. This holds especially for those new to using a trace width
calculator. Some questions have been bothering you with respect to this
calculator. It may be with the results or formula, and you may find an
answer to them here.
Is there a limit to the current that this calculator can use in calculating the
width? Of course, this has to do with whichever formula you are using.
This tool can calculate trace width of about 35 amps, 400 mils, and copper
falling within 0.5 – 3 ounces /sq ft and an increase in temperature falling in
the range of 10 to 100 degrees Celsius. This calculator extrapolates the
data anytime you use it outside any of these ranges.

What is the mils unit of measurement? The word “Mil” is from a Latin term
called “mille,” which means “thousand.” One mil is an inch divided into a
thousand places.
Why is it that the calculator reveals the width of the internal trace higher
than that of the external trace? High heat transfer is usually associated
with external trace layers. Internal layers, on the other hand, don’t also
conduct heat. This means that internal traces will be able to store more
heat.
In this context, what do we mean by temperature rise? A rise in
temperature has to do with the difference between the maximum
operating temperature of your PCB regarded as safe, and its normal
operating temperature.
While using this calculator, I put in a current requirement of 65 amps, and
it brought back an incorrect track width. So what are its limits? This tool
works with an original graph that only covers about 35 amps. It also works
with a trace width of 0.4 inches. Also, it only deals with a rise in
temperature from 10 – 100 degrees centigrade. Lastly, it works with a
copper of about 0.5 – 3 ounces for every square foot. Anything outside
these ranges will lead to an extrapolation of these formulas.
Conclusion

As already mentioned, printed circuit boards serve as backbones for
many electronic products. By now, we hope you have been enlightened on
why you need to establish the trace width of your printed circuit board.
This helps to prevent and safeguard it from any destruction. When you
establish the trace width, you will be able to know the amount of current.
Lastly, make sure you abide by all the standards set. These help in creating
a good PCB.
Trace width of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a basic yet very crucial
parameter which needs to be defined while designing a PCB. Calculation
of trace width is important for both power and signal boards. This
parameter defines the current carrying capacity of a PCB. Before going
into the details of trace width, it is important to look at the factors which
limit the flow of current through a conductor. Any conductor with a
specific (cross sectional) area ‘A’ carrying the electrical current ‘I’ offers an
electrical resistance of ‘R’ towards the flow of current. The electrical
resistance results in the loss of electrical energy into the heat
dissipation which depends on the square of the current flowing through
the conductor (hence these losses are known as I2R losses). With the rising
current, the heat dissipation also increases and beyond a certain point
excessive heat results in failure of the current carrying conductor. To
reduce the heat dissipation (I2R losses) in the conductor the resistance
needs to be decreased. Electrical resistance of a conductor is inversely

proportional to the area ‘A’ and directly proportional to the length ‘L’ of the
conductor.
‘ρ’ is the electrical resistivity of the conductor material under consideration.
For copper, the resistivity is 1.7×10-8 (ohm-m). If the length needs to
remain constant, area can be increased to reduce the electrical resistance.
Or in other words, increasing the area of the conductor increases its
current carrying capacity (by reducing the heat losses or I2R losses).
This methodology of increasing current carrying capacity through increase
in area now can be extended towards PCBs as well. ‘Traces’ on a PCB
(sometimes also referred to as tracks) are the copper electrical
connections responsible for carrying the electrical current. Due to the
two-dimensional nature of a PCB circuit, the ‘width’ of traces is used to
define the maximum amperage of a PCB board rather than the
cross-sectional area (as height becomes a constant after choosing
a thickness of copper). The formula for calculating the trace width is
derived from following mathematical expression below (published
in IPC-2221 standard):

Where,
I= Maximum current (A)
dT= increase in temperature above ambient (°C)
A= cross-sectional area (mils2)
‘k’ is constant which depend on the position of traces on the board
k (for internal traces) = 0.024
k (for external traces) = 0.048
Reason for different values of k is that the traces on the outer side of the
PCB have a better chance of heat dissipation through the process of
convection as compared to the internal layers. As a result of that, heat
starts to accumulate on the internal layers. Higher value of ‘k’ for the
internal layer means wider trace width which helps dissipate the
accumulated heat. However, if the circuit is placed inside complete
vacuum, the outer layers cannot lose heat through the process of
convection. So, while designing PCBs in a vacuum, same value of ‘k’ needs
to be chosen for internal and external layers i.e. 0.024.

The exponents of ‘dT’ and ‘A’ are a result of physical constants of copper
such as resistivity of copper and temperature coefficient of copper. Area
of trace (mil2) can be calculated by rearranging (2) as shown below:
With a chosen thickness ‘T’ (mils), the trace width ‘w’ (mils) can be
calculated:
Figure below depicts the (for a contact thickness of 1oz or 35 um) current
capacity against the calculated trace width for different changes in
temperature from ambient.

Although the formula in the equation (4) does not have a mathematical
limit, its accuracy keeps decreasing with higher values of current and trace
width. For values of current higher than 35 A for outer traces 17.5A for
internal traces or trace width higher than 400 mil, this formula will result
in significant error value. Additionally, the mathematical formula to
calculate the trace width does not keep into account some other factors
such as count of electronic components, vias and pads in the circuit. And
finally, factors like dust are also taken into account in large scale
production of PCBs. This mathematical formula also assumes that the
components do not cause any hindrance in heat dissipation. That’s why an
additional buffer is added to the calculated value to avoid complexities
arising from external factors.
It is also important to maintain proper spacing between the traces to
avoid any transient short circuit condition in power circuit boards or

signal interference in signal boards. A general rule is to maintain spacing
between two parallel running traces which is three times the trace width.
Location of power, ground and signal traces on the board is also
important. It is recommended to strategically place the power traces and
not have the power traces go from one component to the other in a
complex daisy chain configuration. In nutshell, calculation of proper trace
width according to the expected current requirements of your board is an
important step for the continuous operation of a PCB within safe
operating temperature range.
Related Posts:
1. Importance and Applications of the PCB Calculator Trace Width
2. Relationship between PCB Copper Weight, Trace Width and Current
Carrying Capacity
3. How to Design pcb trace spacing and Width ?
4. What Is PCB Trace Resistance Calculator? A Comprehensive Guide
https://www.raypcb.com/pcb-trace-width-a-simple-yet-critical-design-parameter/

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RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

How To Do PCB Trace Width Calculator ?

across a circuit board’s trace. Some other well-known parameters here

trace width. These include:

 The desired length of the trace

 The spacing required between these traces

 The size of the board’s conductive layer

 The capacity of the trace necessary to carry current

PCB Trace Width Calculator: What does this mean?

function. Also, they connect and offer mechanical support to electrical

components. This is to ensure that they operate properly.

When utilizing Printed Circuit Boards to sustain computers, lighting

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

a PCB trace width calculator. This standard helps in calculating

the conductive track width of a printed circuit board (PCB). It is advisable

even before they start malfunctioning.

The determination of the copper width calculation, at a specific thickness,

is necessary. This helps in allowing the transfer or movement of a

to be enough to help maintain the rise in temperature at levels below the

Request PCB Trace Width Calculator

How to get Trace Width Making Use of a PCB Trace Width

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

B Trace Width Calculator

utilization of some values. These include:

 The conductive layer’s area, which is usually in mils square

 The trace’s thickness, which is in ounces/sq ft

What differentiates the External vs. Internal PCB Trace Width

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

width of an internal trace. The determination of this internal trace width is

to help carry a specific current amount.

transfer of the current of a particular amount.

Consequently, the difference seen between the external and internal

Also read about SMT Engineer

Why is Using a PCB Trace Width Calculator Important?

current-carry are a major constraint.

able to carry the needed amount of current effectively. Consequently, the

printed circuit board’s intended application experiences a setback. This is

due to the inadequate current capacity.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

More Facts about the PCB Trace Width Calculator

be internal or external. The values of these constants are requirements for

Detecting the temperature of the trace helps to know your PCB’s

thermal performance. This plays a significant role in knowing the

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

trace. The values of the temperature are in °C.

PCB world, mil is a terminology. It is frequently used when talking about

copper thickness in ounces and as well as convert it to mils.

voltage decrease. However, you need to understand the resistance value

of power and voltage drop.

What Does It Mean To Experience a Rise In Temperature When

Calculating The PCB Trace Width?

When there is a flow of current via a conductive trace, there is a

generation of heat. This is a result of the resistance it gives to the

conductor’s flow of current.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

The increase in temperature defines the generation of heat. We refer to

temperature your PCB will be able to sustain. This is possible by making

use of a PCB trace width calculator.

reduce the buildup of heat. This then results in a rise in temperature.

For many printed circuit boards, a temperature rise of 10 degrees is safe.

Otherwise, you can fabricate boards to withstand a higher value in

will help influence the board’s overall temperature.

Can You Extract Other Measurements By Using the PCB Trace