Q&A for How to Measure Inductance

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How can method 1 be correct if Z=2*PI*f*L?

Community Answer

He adjusts frequency so the voltage drop due to the impedance = V drop of resistance. This then becomes, Z = 2piFL = R so L = R/(2piF).

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Question

Can I measure inductance using an LCR meter?

Community Answer

Of course you can; that's what an LCR meter is for. Keep in mind that because the method for evaluating inductance and capacitance may vary from one meter to another, the results will be different. There is no need to spend a lot of money on a top quality one. If this is just for your hobby, then a low end one will be just fine as you won't need the extra precision a professional would.

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Question

Where does the formula of the second method (point n4) come from?

Community Answer

It is based on the equation used to evaluate the gain at a given frequency vs. the cutoff frequency. The equation is 1/(sqrt(1+(R/(2*pi*f*L))^2)). By re-arranging the terms to find L when we have a gain of 1/2 as per the example above, you will end up with that equation. Don't forget that there is a note below the picture indicating that the formula isn't correct; the one below the picture, mentioned in a warning note, is the correct one. The picture and explanation underneath it will need to be updated to reflect the correct information.

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Question

Why can't I measure inductance with oscilloscope directly?

Community Answer

You can, but it's difficult. Supercomputers in Sweden have managed to measure the inductance by squaring the overall percentage by 0.5; however, it is much easier to just measure them using the other apparatus and then use the oscilloscope.

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Question

You would not write 1000 uH but 1 mH?

Community Answer

They are mathematically equivalent so either one works. Most capacitors, however, have units of uH.

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Question

What tools do I use to measure inductance?

Community Answer

You should use an RLC meter. You can find them on Amazon and eBay.

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Question

Why can't I use a standard meter to measure inductance?

Brett Gilbert

Top Answerer

Standard multimeters don't have an inductance setting. It takes special circuitry, so you have to get an LCM multimeter instead.

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