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Inductor Current & Stored Magnetic Energy
Calculate stored energy in a linear ideal inductor from positive inductance and signed current.
- Formula & worked example
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Calculator inputs
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How to use this calculator
- Enter the known values in the units shown. Results update as you type.
- Where results are editable, change one to solve backwards. Lock a value to hold it fixed.
- Use the worked example to check the method. Reset restores the starting fields.
Private by default
Inputs and results stay in this browser tab. Bookify does not upload or store the values you enter.
Formula and method
A 2 H inductor carrying 3 A stores 9 J. Reversing current to −3 A leaves stored energy at 9 J.
Stored magnetic energy = ½LI²
Worked example
Enter these known values and leave the other values blank.
- Positive inductance
- 2 H
- Signed current
- 3 A
- Stored magnetic energy
- 9 J
Assumptions and limitations
- This is an ideal component model. Losses, tolerances, temperature dependence, parasitics and component ratings require separate information.
- Inductance must be positive and stored energy nonnegative. Current may have either sign; zero current gives zero stored energy.
- The model assumes constant linear inductance. Saturating or nonlinear magnetic components require an appropriate flux-linkage relationship.
- Solving current from energy returns its nonnegative square-root branch. Energy alone does not identify current direction. Zero current and energy do not determine inductance.
Common questions
What happens when current doubles?
At fixed inductance, stored energy increases fourfold.
Does a negative current produce negative stored energy?
No. Current is squared, so either direction produces the same nonnegative energy at equal magnitude.
References
- NIST: electrical and energy units
- OpenStax: energy in a magnetic field
- Calculation definition and unit reference
Bookify requires positive inductance and nonnegative stored magnetic energy, while allowing signed current.
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