Estimate conductor skin depth from frequency, conductivity, and relative permeability.
Material properties vary with frequency, temperature, and processing. Presets are engineering estimates only.
Enter the parameters and run the calculation to see results and model assumptions here.
Formulas, variables, and model boundaries are published. References last reviewed on 2026-08-28.
These equations directly produce the primary results and define the tool’s core model.
1δ = √(2 / ωμσ) = 1 / √(πfμσ)Characteristic depth at which field amplitude decays to 1/e of its surface value in a conductor.
Derive units, levels, and supporting engineering quantities from the core values.
2Rₛ = 1 / (σδ) = √(πfμ / σ)Equivalent resistance per square when high-frequency current is concentrated near the conductor surface.
|E(z)| = |E(0)|e^(−z/δ)Under the good-conductor plane-wave approximation, field amplitude decays exponentially with depth.
Results use the models and assumptions shown on this page for design estimates and pre-compliance risk review. Complex structures, dispersion, near-field coupling, and test setup can cause significant deviation.
δ = 1 / √(π·f·μ·σ). For copper (σ = 5.8×10⁷ S/m, μᵣ = 1), δ ≈ 65.2 μm at 1 MHz.
3–5 skin depths is a common engineering reference for effective shielding; the actual requirement depends on target shielding effectiveness, frequency range, and cost.
In a good conductor (σ ≫ ωε), field amplitude decays as e^(−z/δ), confining current to a thin surface layer and raising effective AC resistance with frequency.
These tools support design-stage estimates. For accredited EMC testing, compliance decisions, and troubleshooting, contact us.