Electric Field Calculator

Compute the electric field from a point charge using Coulomb's law

Inputs

Coulomb's law: E = k · |q| / r². Use SI units for the most accurate result. Distances must be in meters.

Default: 8.987551787 × 10⁹

Tips

  • Distance is measured from the charge center to the evaluation point.
  • The direction arrow indicates whether the field radiates outward (positive charge) or inward (negative charge).
  • Use meters and coulombs when possible to avoid rounding issues.

How electric field strength is calculated

Formula

E = F / q or E = k|Q| / r²

Electric field is force per unit positive test charge. A point charge’s field decreases with the square of distance.

Worked example

A 0.002 C test charge experiencing 6 N is in a field of 3,000 N/C.

Common mistake

Use meters for distance and distinguish the source charge Q from the test charge q.