What must be checked before using the Loaded voltage divider relation?

Check a resistive DC network, sign references and whether the divider is loaded.

2. Resistive networks

Loaded voltage divider

Formula

V_o=V_i\frac{R_2\parallel R_L}{R_1+(R_2\parallel R_L)}

Detail

Load RL in parallel with R2 lowers Vo versus the unloaded divider.

Explore the idea

Variables

$V_i,V_o$ voltages (V)
$R_1,R_2,R_L,R_{\mathrm{Th}}$ resistances (Ω)
$I_T,I_N$ currents (A).

Conditions

Linear resistive DC network; unloaded divider unless RL is stated.

Intuitive explanation

For “Loaded voltage divider”: the divider and Thévenin/Norton reduce the network to one port; a load across R2 lowers Vo.

Worked example

With

V_i=12\,\mathrm V

R_1=1\,\mathrm{k\Omega}

R_2=2\,\mathrm{k\Omega}

and

R_L=2\,\mathrm{k\Omega}

R_2\parallel R_L=1\,\mathrm{k\Omega}

and

V_o=6\,\mathrm V

Common mistakes

forgetting that RL sits in parallel with R2
using the unloaded divider with a load present
mixing kΩ with Ω

Frequently asked questions

What must be checked before using the Loaded voltage divider relation?: Check a resistive DC network, sign references and whether the divider is loaded.

Also known as

voltage divider, current divider, Thévenin, Norton

Conventions

V, A or Ω according to the left-hand side

Last reviewed: 2026-09-19

Found an error? Contact us.

Related formulas

2. Resistive networks

Loaded voltage divider

In 2. Resistive networks

Formula

V_o=V_i\frac{R_2\parallel R_L}{R_1+(R_2\parallel R_L)}

Detail

Load RL in parallel with R2 lowers Vo versus the unloaded divider.

Explore the idea

Variables

$V_i,V_o$ voltages (V)
$R_1,R_2,R_L,R_{\mathrm{Th}}$ resistances (Ω)
$I_T,I_N$ currents (A).

Conditions

Linear resistive DC network; unloaded divider unless RL is stated.

Intuitive explanation

For “Loaded voltage divider”: the divider and Thévenin/Norton reduce the network to one port; a load across R2 lowers Vo.

Worked example

With

V_i=12\,\mathrm V

R_1=1\,\mathrm{k\Omega}

R_2=2\,\mathrm{k\Omega}

and

R_L=2\,\mathrm{k\Omega}

R_2\parallel R_L=1\,\mathrm{k\Omega}

and

V_o=6\,\mathrm V

Common mistakes

forgetting that RL sits in parallel with R2
using the unloaded divider with a load present
mixing kΩ with Ω

Frequently asked questions

What must be checked before using the Loaded voltage divider relation?: Check a resistive DC network, sign references and whether the divider is loaded.

Also known as

voltage divider, current divider, Thévenin, Norton

Conventions

V, A or Ω according to the left-hand side

Last reviewed: 2026-09-19

Found an error? Contact us.

Loaded voltage divider

Tags

Detail

Explore the idea

Variables

Conditions

Intuitive explanation

Worked example

Common mistakes

Frequently asked questions

Also known as

Related topics

Conventions

Related formulas

Loaded voltage divider

Tags

Detail

Explore the idea

Variables

Conditions

Intuitive explanation

Worked example

Common mistakes

Frequently asked questions

Also known as

Related topics

Conventions

Related formulas