Rule of thumb · ElectricalNº 29 / 167

Double the voltage, quadruple the power

For a fixed resistance, power scales with voltage squared — doubling voltage gives four times the power.

Why it works

P = V²/R falls straight out of Ohm’s law. It’s why small voltage changes on heating elements or motors have an outsized effect on power draw.

When it fails

Only for a fixed resistance. A constant-power load such as a switched-mode supply draws less current at higher voltage and dissipates the same; a filament's resistance rises sharply as it heats, so a real bulb falls well short of four times the power.

Do it exactly

Estimate with the rule, then check it against the calculator that models it properly.

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How does voltage affect power?

For a fixed resistance, power scales with voltage squared — doubling voltage gives four times the power. P = V²/R falls straight out of Ohm’s law.

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