This nichrome wire calculator finds the resistance of a length of nichrome, or the length needed for a target resistance, for heating elements. Enter the wire area and values above.
Formula
R = ρ × L ÷ A (ρnichrome ≈ 1.10 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m)
Example
For 10 Ω from wire of 0.2 mm²: L = R × A ÷ ρ = 10 × 0.2×10⁻⁶ ÷ 1.10×10⁻⁶ = 1.82 m.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate nichrome wire length?
Rearrange R = rho L / A to L = R A / rho, using the nichrome resistivity of about 1.10e-6 ohm-meter.
What is the resistivity of nichrome?
About 1.10 x 10^-6 ohm-meter, far higher than copper, which is why it is used for heating elements.
Does temperature change nichrome resistance?
Only slightly. Nichrome’s resistance is nearly stable with temperature, an advantage for heaters.