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LM317 Voltage Regulator Calculator
Calculate the output voltage of an LM317 adjustable regulator, and the resistor needed for a target voltage.
LM317 sets its output by holding Vref (≈1.25 V) across R1, so the divider R1/R2 programs Vout.
- Output:
Vout = Vref × (1 + R2/R1) + Iadj × R2 - Required R2:
R2 = (Vout − Vref) / (Vref/R1 + Iadj)
Usage: Keep R1 ≈ 240 Ω, set R2 for the voltage you need, or type a Target Vout to get the exact R2. Minimum Vout = Vref (1.25 V).
When you need it: Setting an adjustable linear regulator's output with two resistors, or wiring it as a simple constant-current source for an LED string or battery charger.
Worked example: Vout = 1.25 × (1 + R2/R1); with R1 = 240 Ω, R2 = 720 Ω → 1.25 × (1 + 3) = 5.0 V. As a current source, I = 1.25 / R.
Tips & gotchas:
- Keep the standard
R1 ≈ 240 Ωso the regulator's minimum load current is always met. - Dissipation is
(Vin − Vout) × I— a large drop at high current needs a real heatsink. - It needs roughly 2.5–3 V of headroom (dropout); an LDO is better when Vin is close to Vout.
- Add the datasheet protection diodes when using large output or adjust-pin capacitors.