Model coating buildup from current, time, efficiency, and area. Review mass, charge, and rate instantly. Download polished reports with graphs, tables, and practical guidance.
| Metal | Current | Time | Area | Efficiency | Calculated thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 2.0 A | 30 min | 100 cm² | 95% | 12.57 µm |
| Nickel | 3.0 A | 45 min | 150 cm² | 92% | 16.98 µm |
| Chromium | 5.0 A | 20 min | 120 cm² | 18% | 1.12 µm |
| Silver | 1.5 A | 25 min | 80 cm² | 98% | 29.37 µm |
Mass deposited: m = (I × t × η × M) / (n × F)
Thickness: T = m / (ρ × A)
Combined form: T = (I × t × η × M) / (n × F × ρ × A)
I is current, t is plating time, η is efficiency as a decimal, M is molar mass, n is electron count, F is Faraday’s constant, ρ is density, and A is coated area.
The calculator first finds deposited mass, then converts that mass into volume through density, and finally divides volume by coated area to estimate average layer thickness.
It estimates average electroplated coating thickness using current, time, efficiency, surface area, molar mass, density, and electron transfer number. It also reports deposited mass, charge, current density, and target-time estimates.
Efficiency adjusts for current lost to side reactions such as hydrogen evolution. Ignoring it overstates deposited mass and thickness. Lower real efficiency means a thinner actual coating than the ideal Faraday prediction.
No. The result is an average thickness over the stated area. Real parts often plate unevenly because of geometry, shielding, edge effects, agitation, anode placement, and local current-density differences.
Enter the total wetted surface area that receives metal. If both sides plate, include both sides. Missing hidden surfaces, threads, or inner walls can significantly distort the estimated thickness.
Use the ionic reduction stoichiometry for the deposited metal. For example, Cu²⁺ to Cu uses n = 2, while Ag⁺ to Ag uses n = 1. The selected plating chemistry determines the correct value.
The target field reverses the calculation. Instead of asking how thick the coating becomes after a known time, it estimates how long plating must continue to reach a chosen thickness.
Not directly in Faraday’s law. However, temperature can change solution conductivity, efficiency, grain structure, and allowable current density. That is why the calculator stores temperature as a process note and context field.
Always verify critical work with thickness measurement methods such as XRF, coulometric stripping, or micrometer-based section checks. The calculator is excellent for planning, but production acceptance still needs measurement.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.