RC Filter Calculator

Find the cutoff frequency of a first-order RC low-pass or high-pass filter from the resistor and capacitor, or solve for a component to hit a target frequency.

Cutoff (−3dB)
Time constant τ

The cutoff frequency where the signal is attenuated by 3dB is fc = 1 / (2π·R·C). The same RC sets a low-pass (output across C) or high-pass (output across R) filter; the time constant τ = R·C is how fast it responds. First-order rolloff is 6dB per octave.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cutoff frequency?

It is the frequency where an RC filter has reduced the signal by 3dB (to about 70% of its amplitude), marking the boundary between the pass band and the stop band. It is fc = 1 / (2π·R·C).

Low-pass or high-pass, what's the difference?

Both use the same R and C and the same cutoff. If you take the output across the capacitor you get a low-pass (passes low frequencies); across the resistor you get a high-pass (passes high frequencies).

What is the time constant?

τ = R·C is the time the filter takes to respond, roughly how long the capacitor takes to charge to 63%. A larger time constant means a lower cutoff frequency and a slower response.