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Peak Voltage Calculator

Find peak voltage from RMS or peak-to-peak on a sinusoidal wave. Vpeak = Vrms × √2. The default 120 V RMS is about 169.7 V peak. Informational, not wiring approval.

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How to use the peak voltage calculator

  1. Enter RMS voltage, or peak, or peak-to-peak. Leave the unknown blank.
  2. The page assumes a symmetric sine centered on zero.
  3. Read peak, RMS, and peak-to-peak together.
  4. Use the figures for study or quick checks. Nothing is uploaded.

Peak voltage

Sinusoidal maximum above zero

PeakMaximum instantaneous voltage on a sine
RMSVrms = Vpeak / √2 on a pure sine
Peak-to-peakVpp = 2 × Vpeak when centered
120 V exampleUS nominal RMS maps to about 170 V peak
MeasurementScopes often read peak or Vpp directly
ApprovalInformational. Not wiring or code approval.

Peak from RMS

Vpeak = Vrms × √2. With 120 V RMS the peak is about 169.706 V. Peak-to-peak doubles that to about 339.4 V on a centered sine. This is the amplitude above the zero crossing, not line-to-line unless you typed a line-to-line RMS value.

Scope and crest factor

Crest factor is peak divided by RMS. A sine has crest factor √2. Distorted mains can exceed that. This page keeps the ideal sine model so the factor stays √2.

Peak vs working voltage labels

Capacitor voltage ratings and surge labels sometimes cite peak or DC working levels. Do not assume this arithmetic replaces datasheet limits or code rules for clearance and insulation.

Limits

Single-frequency sine only. DC offset, clipping, and multi-tone waveforms are out of scope.

The formula runs in this tab. CZNull does not receive the numbers.

Informational only. Not wiring, code, or manufacturer approval. See the disclaimer.

What peak voltage matches 120 V RMS?
Multiply RMS by √2: about 169.7 V peak on an ideal sine. The page shows more decimal places.
Can I enter peak-to-peak to get peak?
Yes. With peak-to-peak known, peak is half of Vpp and RMS is peak divided by √2.
Is peak the same as amplitude?
On a centered sine, yes: amplitude from zero to the positive peak equals peak voltage.
Why keep RMS and peak on one page?
Technicians often have one meter reading and need the other form for component ratings or scope setup.
Does peak voltage set wire size?
No. Ampacity and voltage drop use current and installation details. Try wire ampacity or voltage drop for those jobs.