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Skin Depth Calculator — Frequency, Conductivity & Permeability
Calculate electromagnetic skin depth from frequency, conductivity in MS/m and relative permeability for a homogeneous conductor.
Last updated: September 16, 2026
Results
Formula, example and assumptions
δ=√(2/(ωμσ))=√(1/(πfμσ)).
Copper-like conductivity near 58 MS/m at 60 Hz gives skin depth on the order of millimetres; at RF it becomes much smaller.
- Uniform homogeneous conductor with entered conductivity and permeability.
- Geometry, proximity effect, plating and surface roughness are not included.
Frequently asked questions
Why does skin depth shrink with frequency?
The alternating magnetic field drives current toward the surface more strongly as frequency rises.
Does skin depth equal required conductor thickness?
No. It is a field/current-decay scale, not a direct wire-sizing rule.