Dielectric Constant Calculator

Author: Calculator Academy Team

Last Updated:

Enter the permittivity of the substance and the permittivity of a vacuum into the calculator to determine the dielectric constant.

Dielectric Constant Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a dielectric constant.

k = E / E_0 
  • Where k is the dielectric constant
  • E is the permittivity of the substance
  • E0 is the permittivity of a vacuum. (8.8541878128(13)×10−12 F⋅m−1 )

To calculate a dielectric constant, divide the permittivity of the substance by the permittivity of a vacuum.

In the case of this formula, permittivity can be swapped out for capacitance of the substance or system, and capacitance in a vacuum.

Dielectric Constant Definition

A dielectric constant is a measure of the permittivity of a substance compared to the permittivity of a vacuum.

Dielectric Constant Example

How to calculate a dielectric constant?

  1. First, determine the permittivity of the substance.

    Measure of calculate the permittivity of the substance.

  2. Next, determine the permittivity of the vacuum.

    This is typically (8.8541878128(13)×10−12 F⋅m−1 ).

  3. Finally, calculate the dielectric constant.

    Calculate the dielectric constant using the formula above.


FAQ

What is a dielectric constant?

In simple terms, a dielectric constant is a measure of the relative permittivity of an object when compared to a vacuum.

What is permittivity?

Permittivity is a measure of how much polarizability a given dielectric has. In other words, how much energy it can store when exposed to an electric field.

What is a dielectric?

A dielectric is a substance or object that acts as an electrical insulator. When exposed to an electric field it becomes polarized, thus store energy.


dielectric constant formula