Find Norton equivalent current for any two-terminal network. Handle units, checks, and missing values cleanly. See load behavior using resistance and power outputs instantly.
The Norton equivalent of a linear two-terminal network is a current source IN in parallel with a resistance RN. The equivalent open-circuit voltage is VOC.
| Method | Inputs | Expected outputs |
|---|---|---|
| Thevenin | VTH = 12 V, RTH = 6 Ω | IN = 2 A, RN = 6 Ω, VOC = 12 V |
| Short-circuit | VOC = 9 V, ISC = 3 A | RN = 3 Ω, IN = 3 A, VTH = 9 V |
| With load | IN = 2 A, RN = 6 Ω, RL = 12 Ω | IL = 0.667 A, VL = 8 V, PL = 5.333 W |
A Norton model reduces any linear two‑terminal network to a current source in parallel with a resistance. It preserves terminal behavior for every load, so analysis becomes faster without losing accuracy.
Three values describe the equivalence: open‑circuit voltage VOC, short‑circuit current ISC, and the equivalent resistance RN. In practice, VOC is measured with no load, while ISC is measured with the terminals shorted briefly.
The Norton and Thevenin descriptions are interchangeable. The resistance is identical in both forms: RN = RTH. The voltage and current are linked by VTH = VOC = IN·RN. This calculator reports both sets so you can compare methods.
You can compute IN from Thevenin inputs (VTH, RTH) or from short‑circuit data by entering any two of VOC, ISC, and RN. Built‑in unit handling helps prevent scaling mistakes when switching between mV, kV, mA, or kΩ.
With a resistive load RL, the terminal voltage is VL = IL·RL, and the load current follows IL = (IN·RN) / (RN + RL). This tool also computes PL = IL2·RL for quick power checks.
For linear networks, the product IN·RN should reproduce VOC. If your measured values disagree strongly, revisit the test setup, meter burden, source internal limits, or any non‑linear components that violate the Norton assumptions.
Bench circuits often produce VOC from millivolts to tens of volts, RN from fractions of an ohm to megaohms, and IN from microamps to amps. For safety and accuracy, measure ISC using short durations and appropriate shunts.
Suppose VTH = 12 V and RTH = 6 Ω. Then IN = 12/6 = 2 A and RN = 6 Ω. With RL = 12 Ω, IL becomes 0.667 A, VL becomes 8 V, and PL becomes 5.333 W. These values match the example table and validate the model.
It is the current source value that replaces a linear network in the Norton form. Numerically, it equals the terminal short‑circuit current ISC.
Both equivalents reproduce the same terminal I‑V behavior for all loads. The slope of that I‑V line is the same resistance, so RN equals RTH.
Yes. For a linear network, RN = VOC / ISC. Enter those two values and the calculator will solve the resistance.
It is the terminal voltage when no load is connected, so current is essentially zero. In the Thevenin form it is the same value as VTH.
Enable it when you know the load resistance and want predicted VL, IL, and power. It is useful for quick sizing, limits checks, and comparison across designs.
Only when the network is linear around the operating point. Strongly non‑linear devices can change resistance with voltage, so a single Norton model may be inaccurate.
For a resistive load, maximum power occurs when RL equals RN. Use load analysis with different RL values to see the power peak.
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.