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RMS to Peak Voltage Calculator

Peak and peak-to-peak volts for a sine wave with a known RMS value.

Result

325.27 V
650.54 V

How it is calculated

The tool uses the fixed factor for a pure sine wave: Vpeak = Vrms × √2 and Vpp = 2 × Vpeak. Vrms is the RMS voltage in volts and must not be negative; zero is accepted. Results are in volts with two decimals. The factor √2 (about 1.4142) is valid only for a sinusoid. Square, triangle, PWM or distorted waves have different ratios between RMS and peak, and the tool has no waveform option, so it will still apply √2 if you enter a non-sine RMS value. Also note it gives the peak relative to zero, not relative to a DC offset.

Worked example

A European mains outlet is rated at 230 V RMS. Peak voltage: 230 × 1.41421 = 325.27 V. Peak-to-peak: 2 × 325.27 = 650.54 V. The waveform therefore swings between about +325 V and −325 V, which is why components on a 230 V supply need a rating well above 230 V.

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Common mistakes

  • Applying the result to a square or triangle wave. The √2 factor belongs to a sine; a square wave has peak equal to RMS.
  • Confusing peak with peak-to-peak when choosing a capacitor or scope range. The peak is about 325 V here, but the full swing is double that.
  • Assuming a multimeter always reads RMS correctly. Basic average-responding meters are calibrated for sine waves only and misread distorted signals.
  • Multiplying by 1.414 for the reverse direction. To go from peak to RMS you divide by √2; this tool only converts RMS to peak.
  • Forgetting a DC offset. The tool assumes a signal centred on zero volts.

About this calculator

For a sinusoidal AC signal, peak voltage relates to the RMS (root-mean-square) value by V_peak = V_RMS × √2 (≈1.414), and peak-to-peak voltage is simply 2 × V_peak. RMS is the "effective" value that delivers the same power as an equivalent DC voltage, while peak is the maximum instantaneous swing the waveform reaches each half-cycle.

Electrical and electronics engineers convert between the two constantly: mains voltage, amplifier specs, and multimeter readings are usually quoted as RMS, but component ratings like capacitor voltage tolerance and oscilloscope readings need the peak or peak-to-peak value to confirm nothing is overstressed.

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