Skin Depth Calculator for Copper, Silver, Gold and Aluminium
Skin depth of copper, silver, gold or aluminium versus frequency, and how plating thickness compares to it.
Inputs
Results
δ = √(ρ / (π f μ₀ μr)) with μr = 1 (non-magnetic). Rac/Rdc ≈ r / (2δ) only when the wire radius is well above δ (otherwise ≈ 1). Typical resistivities at 20 °C: copper 1.724, silver 1.59, gold 2.44, aluminium 2.82 (×10⁻⁸ Ω·m). Nickel and steel are magnetic, so their skin depth is much smaller and is not covered.
Frequently asked questions
What is the skin depth of copper at 1 GHz?
Skin depth is δ = √(ρ / (π·f·µ)). For copper at 1 GHz it is about 2 µm, which is why connector plating thickness and surface roughness matter for RF loss.
For preliminary assessment only — the final decision must follow the manufacturer’s datasheet and the applicable NEC / IEC / UL standards. Results are calculated from the standard formulas stated on this page and are for design estimates only. They are not a rating of any specific part — always confirm current, voltage, temperature and environment limits against the manufacturer’s datasheet for the part you intend to use.
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