# Inductive Reactance Calculator

> Find the reactance of an inductor in ohms at any frequency from its inductance in H, mH or µH and the frequency in Hz, kHz or MHz, with angular frequency.

Category: Science & engineering · Applies to: Worldwide · Last updated: 2026-10-29
Interactive calculator: https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/inductive-reactance-calculator

An inductor opposes alternating current more as the frequency rises: X_L = 2πfL. At DC (0 Hz) an ideal inductor has no reactance at all.

Also called: Inductor reactance calculator, X_L calculator.

## Inputs
- Inductance (default 10)
- Inductance unit (options: H, mH, µH; default mh)
- Frequency (default 50)
- Frequency unit (options: Hz, kHz, MHz; default hz)

## Results
- Inductive reactance
- Reactance (with prefix)
- Angular frequency (ω)

## Formula

```
X_L = 2π × f × L = ω × L
```

Where:
- f: frequency in Hz
- L: inductance in henries
- ω: angular frequency 2πf in rad/s

## Worked example
1. ω = 2π × 50 = 314.159 rad/s.
2. X_L = 314.159 × 0.010 H = 3.1416 Ω.

**Result:** A 10 mH inductor has a reactance of about 3.14 Ω at 50 Hz, rising to 3.77 Ω at 60 Hz.

## What the result means

Reactance does not dissipate power; it shifts current 90° behind voltage. Combine it with resistance and any capacitance in the AC Impedance Calculator.

## Assumptions and limits
- Ideal inductor with constant inductance and no winding resistance.
- At high frequency, self-capacitance makes real inductors resonate and stop behaving inductively.
- Iron-cored inductors change value with current.

## Questions

### How is reactance different from resistance?

Both are measured in ohms, but reactance stores and returns energy each cycle instead of turning it into heat.

### What about capacitors?

Capacitive reactance falls with frequency: X_C = 1 ÷ (2πfC). The AC Impedance Calculator includes both.

## Related calculators
- [AC Impedance Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/ac-impedance-calculator)
- [Ohm’s Law Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/ohms-law-calculator)
- [Capacitor Energy Calculator](https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/capacitor-energy-calculator)

Source: GM¹X CalcVerse — https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/inductive-reactance-calculator