11 best potentiometers

A potentiometer is an electrical component commonly used in electronic circuits and devices.It is categorized under passive components, specifically resistors, and is widely utilized in the field of industrial electrical and industrial scientific applications.

A potentiometer, often abbreviated as "pot," is a variable resistor with three terminals. These terminals are typically labeled as "input," "output," and a "wiper." The potentiometer's function is to resist the flow of electric current and control the voltage in a circuit.

The wiper, a moveable contact point, allows for adjustment of the resistance value by changing the length of the resistive path between the input and output terminals. As the wiper position changes, the resistance between the wiper and either terminal varies accordingly, enabling precise control over the voltage across the output terminals.

Key features and applications of potentiometers include:

  1. Variable Resistor: Potentiometers can be adjusted to provide a range of resistance values, making them versatile for applications where adjustable voltage or resistance is needed.

  2. Voltage Divider: Potentiometers can function as voltage dividers, providing a fraction of the input voltage at the output terminal based on the wiper position.

  3. User Interface Control: They are often used in electronic devices such as audio equipment, amplifiers, and user interfaces (e.g., volume controls, brightness controls) to allow users to adjust settings.

  4. Signal Calibration: Potentiometers are utilized for signal calibration in various measuring instruments, ensuring precise measurements.

  5. Feedback Circuits: They play a crucial role in feedback circuits, regulating parameters like gain and frequency response in electronic devices.

  6. Control Systems: Potentiometers are integral to control systems, including industrial automation and robotics, where precise control of variables is necessary.

In summary, potentiometers are fundamental components in electronic circuits, providing variable resistance and voltage control. They find wide-ranging applications in industrial electrical and industrial scientific domains, contributing to precise control and calibration in a variety of electronic devices and systems.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best potentiometers on the market
  

Swpeet 105Pcs 1K-500K Ohm Potentiometer Assortment Kit with 1Kohm -100Kohm Multiturn Trimmer, Knurled Shaft 3 Terminals Single Linear HighPrecision Variable Resistor with Nuts and Washers

Based on 257 reviews Check latest price

Product description

★ Swpeet 105Pcs 1K-500K Ohm Potentiometer Assortment Kit with 1Kohm -100Kohm Multiturn Trimmer, Knurled Shaft 3 Terminals Single Linear HighPrecision Variable Resistor with Nuts and Washers for Tinkering



★ Why Choose Us?

√ 1, Single linear rotary taper potentiometer, 3 terminals, single linear, with standard WH148 knob.

√ 2, B10K Ohm knurled shaft linear rotary taper potentiometer with nuts,washers and caps for Arduino.

√ 3, Total length: 31 mm / 1.2""""

√ 4, Type: single linear. Material: metal and carbon film.



Product Specifications:

★ Product name: potentiometer

★ Resistance value: 5k-100k Ohm

★ Adjustment Type: top adjustment

★ Type: single linear rotary

★ Total Rotation: 300degree

★ Knob Size: 15 x 17 mm / 0.6 x 0.67inch(D*H)

★ Total length: 31 mm / 1.2inch

★ Material: metal and carbon film



Package included:

♥ 5Pcs x B5K 5K Ohm linear rotary taper potentiometer

♥ 5Pcs x B10K 10K Ohm linear rotary taper potentiometer

♥ 5Pcs x B20K 20K Ohm linear rotary taper potentiometer

♥ 5Pcs x B50K 50K Ohm linear rotary taper potentiometer

♥ 5Pcs x B100K 100K Ohm linear rotary taper potentiometer

♥ 5Pcs x Aluminium alloy black knob

♥ 5Pcs x Plastic Red knob

♥ 5Pcs x Plastic Orange knob

♥ 5Pcs x Blue knob

♥ 5Pcs x White knob

♥1Pcs x 1kΩ Multiturn Trimmer

♥1Pcs x 5kΩ Multiturn Trimmer

♥1Pcs x 10kΩ Multiturn Trimmer

♥1Pcs x 50kΩ Multiturn Trimmer

♥1Pcs x 100kΩ Multiturn Trimmer

♥ 25Pcs x Nuts

♥ 25Pcs x Washers

♥ In total 105Pcs



  • ♛ What You Get ----- In this Kit, You will get 5Pcs 1Kohm -100Kohm Multiturn Trimmer, 1Kohm -1Mohm Single Linear-High Precision Variable Resistor with 25Pcs Plastic Knobs. knurled shaft linear rotary taper potentiometer with 25Pcs nuts, 25Pcs washers and caps for Arduino. In total 105Pcs can meet all Your daily needs.
  • ♛ Great for Beginner ----- Very nice plastic case, several options for knobs. Includes locking washers and nuts for all the pots. Got these for Arduino projects and the pegs fit in a breadboard perfectly. This was a good kit for a beginner, and it's nice to have so many options for whatever lesson You wander to on Youtube.
  • ♛ Good Quality ----- These potentiometer Single linear rotary taper poteniometer, 3 terminals, single linear, with standard WH148 knob. Nice knobs and switches. Used on perfect pressure pumps. perfectpressurepump dot com.
  • ♛ Product informations -----【Total length】 31 mm / 1.2"",【Type and Material】single linear, metal and carbon film. Nice collection of potentiometers. Reasonable price and the knobs are a nice touch. All in a handy box to keep everything in one place.
  • ♛ Perfect Packageing ----- These potentiometers packaging was Perfect, All packaged in plastic box. In these types of plastic boxes it sometimes happens that they pop open and transit and you are left with a complete mess. We have countered this by using plastic wrap inside the box to ensure that even if the box opens they won't come out of their compartments.

User questions & answers

Question: Which of these 3 conflicting parts is or is not included? 1) 1 mohm single linear (blurb), or 2) 5 x 5kohm (prod desc) or 3) 5 x 1 kohm (picture
Answer: the 1M single linear is not included.
Question: Do these turn off if at zero with an auditable click
Answer: No. If you spin it hard enough you'll hear a very slight sound of it hitting the end of it's swing, but I don't think that's what you are talking about. There is no physical click--it's a smooth sweep from one end to the other.
Question: Can someone tell me how to differentiate the blue trim pots? None of the numbers match the numbers on the pots
Answer: The blue trim pots have a code number stamped on them in white ink, that says something like "502". This will mean 50 x 10^2, or 50 x 100 = 5,000 ohms. It's best to measure them with an Ohmmeter and be sure you understand it correctly.
Question: Pictures seem to be mixed up. Is the all plastic set the one that includes the 5 blue trimpots
Answer: The "Plastic" set has plastic knobs and metal potentiometers. The "Aluminum" set has metal knobs. "Plastic and Aluminum" set includes 5 small plastic trimpots.

30sets 1k-100k Ohm Single Linear Taper 3 Pins Rotary Potentiometers Resistor with Pots Knobs Kit

Taigoehua

Based on 134 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Product name: potentiometer

Adjustment Type: top adjustment

Type: single linear rotary

Total Rotation: 300°

Knob Size: 15 x 17 mm / 0.6" x 0.67"(D*H)

Total length: 31 mm / 1.2"

Material: metal and carbon film

  • Absolute good quality:Single linear rotary taper poteniometer, 3 terminals, single linear, with standard WH148 knob
  • Linear Potentiometer: potentiometer b1k b5k b10K b20K b50K b100K, with match nuts, washers
  • Rotary potentiometer with knob: come with black-white plastic Potentiometer knob, Size: 0.67 inch*0.59mm (H*W)
  • Total length: 31 mm / 1.2"
  • Type and Material:single linear, metal and carbon film

User questions & answers

Question: Is there a power specification for these pots
Answer: I have these and although the ohms for each is on each part I do not see any power rating

uxcell 5 Pcs 10K OHM Linear Taper Rotary Potentiometer 10KB B10K Pot Zinc Plating with 13mm Shaft

uxcell

Based on 140 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features: 10K ohm, 3 terminals, single linear (Type b), suits most standard knobs. Top adjustment Type and knurled shaft for easy operate in daily use time. Main used to control electrical devices such as volume controls O

User questions & answers

Question: What is the power rating
Answer: Unknown. There are no markings on the pot.
Question: do these have a center click
Answer: No center click. Smooth rotation from stop to stop.
Question: Does this fit on a breadboard
Answer: Only if the type of breadboard is configured. Most do.
Question: Do these come with mounting washers and nuts
Answer: It never came to me so.

Hilitchi 25 Pcs Complete Models Potentiometer Assortment Kit with 5K-100K Ohm Knurled Shaft 3 Terminals Linear Taper Rotary Potentiometer w Knob Nuts and Washers

Hilitchi

Based on 91 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hilitchi 20 Pcs Complete Models Potentiometer Assortment Kit with 5K-100K Ohm Knurled Shaft 3 Terminals Linear Taper Rotary Potentiometer w Knob Nuts and Washers



Specification:

Resistance value: 1K 10K 50K 100K 500K Ohm

Adjustment Type: top adjustment

Coding for potentiometer taper: B

Type: single linear rotary

Total Rotation: 300°

Knob Size: 15 x 17 mm / 0.6" x 0.67"(D*H)

Total length: 31 mm / 1.2"

Material: metal and carbon film





Package includes:

5K pot×5pcs (with washer and nut)

10K pot×5pcs (with washer and nut)

20K pot×5pcs (with washer and nut)

50K pot×5pcs (with washer and nut)

100K pot×5pcs (with washer and nut)

potentiometer knob×25pcs



Number of items: 25 pcs

  • ✅[QUALITY METAL AND CARBON FILM]: Good selection of metal and carbon film, reasonable noise and wear characteristics. Functioning as a variable voltage divider, these pots are with standard knobs. No odorousness, built well and good style and functionality, all worked within tolerances. Please test the resistance on them before using, if they are not suitable or with other problems, please come to us. We promise to solve them for you.
  • ✅[COMPLETE MODELS] 5K 10K 20K 50K 100K, 5pcs of each value, 25pcs in total; everything you need in one little package. Nice little kit of potentiometers, it comes with a selection of different ohm pots. What’s more, it also has the nuts, washers, nuts and knobs.
  • ✅[MARKING CODES EASY STORAGE] Single linear, type B, these rotary taper poteniometer values are marked with a readable string indicating the total resistance for easy recognition. They are manually adjustable variable resistor with 3 terminals. Two terminals are connected to both ends of a resistive element, and the third terminal connects to a wiper, moving over the resistive element. If you are learning electronics and having a hard time with regular pots. This kit do a good job for you.
  • ✅[MULTIPLE APPLICATION] For volume control in audio applications, guitar, amplifier, audio, lamp, other dudio equipment arduino based projects and so on. Handy kit to fix knobs on amplifier or other electrical appliances, all pots are fully functional and have smooth operation. Once applied, these rotary taper potentiometer feel solid and precise when turning.
  • ✅【QUALITY AFTER-SALE SERVICE】If you do not satisfy with our products or if you have any questions, please come to us. We would solve all the problems to your satisfaction. FREE REPLACEMENT or REFUND within 90days

User questions & answers

Question: What's the each two pins distance of the potentiometer? I assumes it's 2.54mm, can someone who bought it confirm with me
Answer: Pin spacing is or is very close to 2.54mm. I used these soldered directly to stripboard for prototyping.
Question: Are the metal connections breadboard compatible
Answer: Yes, they fit a standard .1 inch spacing breadboard. I have used a few soldered directly to stripboard.

2pcs RV24YN20S Single Turn Carbon Film Rotary Taper Potentiometer Used for Inverter speed regulation. Motor speed control + 2pcs A03 knob + 2pcs dials (B103 10K ohm)

Based on 230 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Welcome to our Store The products we sell are cheap and beautiful?There are a large number of customers trial?Our photos are taken in kind, do not do any Landscaping. The company's business philosophy: China's very cheap high-quality products sold all over the world, we also sell only high-quality products?"Service first, quality first" principle. Our company is the potentiometer, Life is as high as 100 thousand , In China, a large number of customers use it RV24YN20S adjustable resistance single-ring carbon film potentiometer Shaft diameter : 6MM Standard axis length : 20MM Outside diameter : 24MM Resistance to fairness error : ± 10% Mechanical angle : 300 ° Temperature range : -10 ° C 10 85 ° C Rotational life : 100000 rpm Power : 2W Value :10k ohm

  • Special attention:If there is any quality problem with the product you received, which causes it to fail to work normally, you must send an email to us immediately, and we will solve the quality problem for you.Product name : potentiometer; model : rv24yn 20S/B103; Type : rotary potentiometer
  • Resistance value : You can choose Ohm; resistance Tolerance : +/-10 percent shaft Size : 6 x 10mm/ 0. 24" x 0. 4"(D*l)
  • Potentiometer Body Size : 24 x 14mm / 0. 9" x 0. 55"(D * H); Potentiometer Total Height : 34mm/1. 3"; Screw Thread Dia. : 8.6mm / 0. 33" Shaft Diameter : 6mm / 0. 24"; Shaft Length : 10mm / 0. 4"; Rotary Knob Size : 15 x 27mm/0. 6" x 1. 1"(H*Max. D)
  • Total Size : 40 x 38mm/1. 6" x 1. 5"(Dial d*h); color : black, Silver Tone
  • Weight : 50G; package content : 2 x Potentiometer + 2 x A03 knob + 2 x dials

User questions & answers

Question: Nevermond, it's 2 watts
Answer: Yes
Question: How would you assemble this
Answer: The carbon film potentiometer must be firm and reliable during installation. The tightened nuts should be tightened in place with sufficient torque to prevent loose displacement during the use of the long direction, which may cause circuit failure due to collision with other components.
Question: is this 0ohm up to the rating or the rating to infinite
Answer: The maximum resistance of this potentiometer is 100 Ohm
Question: How many watts is this rated for
Answer: 2 watts

MCIGICM Potentiometer Assortment 1K 5K 100K 10K Ohm Breadboard Trim Potentiometer kit with Knob for Arduino

McIgIcM

Based on 71 reviews Check latest price

Product description

1K potentiometer*2

5K ± 20% potentiometer*1

10K ± 20% potentiometer*5

100K ± 20% potentiometer*2

  • Breadboard Trim Potentiometer With Knob For Arduino

User questions & answers

Question: Is there any documentation on pin size, dimensions (A datasheet or something
Answer: I am not aware of any particular manual but it follows the usual conventions of 0.1 inch centered spacing, middle leg for the wiper, the values of the pot is as marked. It is a linear pot. Please ask what else you need to know, glad to answer any further queries.
Question: What wattage are these? 1/4w? 1/2w
Answer: They are 1/4 watt. Your typical wattage rating for a normal run of the mill pot.
Question: What size are the shafts for knobs
Answer: they are 6mm
Question: Would these work ok for diy synth and music applications
Answer: Yes, that is what I used them for. It very much depends on your exact needs, but if you are just getting started and don't know exactly what you need, these will work to get you going.
Question: Can you bend the connectors to fit in a breadboard without soldering
Answer: I have personally not done that. But the connecting pins are for a PCB. The size of the pins are such that they will fit into your breadboard. I'll try this evening and give you feedback.

10K OHM Linear Taper Rotary Potentiometer B10K Pot with Knob and 3-Pin JST-XH2.54 Connector Lead(Pack of 2)

Based on 134 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Linear Track Variable Resistor Potentiometer with tuning Knob and 20cm Flying lead with XH2.54-3P connector Track Resistance:10K Track Taper: Linear No. of Turns: 1 Shaft Diameter: 6mm Wire: 20CM Terminal model: XH2.54-3P Shaft Length - Metric: 15mm Resistance Tolerance: ± 20% Power Rating: 500mW Potentiometer Mounting: Bushing No. of Gangs: 1 Body Diameter: 15mm Operating Temperature Max: 70°C Operating Temperature Min: -20°C Shaft Type: Splined Voltage Rating: 500V

User questions & answers

Question: Is this to big to control the volume on one speaker
Answer: Depends - size of speaker in watts
Question: Does it fit to robotis open cm 9.04 connector
Answer: On that I'm reallly not sure sorry I could not help more
Question: Can this be used for dampening a 9V DC power supply for a stir plate
Answer: This unit won't handle the power you need, and the resistance is too high in any case. I would recommend a small pulse with modulation controller like https://www.amazon.com/ALEDECO-Voltage-Motor-Speed-Controller/dp/B07P2BLG2L/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=motor+pwm+controller&qid=1577817028&sr=8-2
Question: Does this will work on a Bose amplifier sa
Answer: I am using it for Arduino and I believe if you are trying to adjust a resistance should work for any purpose.

MCIGICM 5K 10K 50K 100K 500K Potentiometer knob Linear Potentiometer WH148 3Pin 15mm Shaft with Nut and Washe

MCIGICM

Based on 127 reviews Check latest price

Product description

linear potentiometer 3Pin 15mm Shaft With Nut And Washe

1K potentiometer*1

2K ± 20% potentiometer*1

5K ± 20% potentiometer*1

10K ± 20% potentiometer*1

20K ± 20% potentiometer*1

50K ± 20% potentiometer*1

100K ± 20% potentiometer*1

250K ± 20% potentiometer*1

500K ± 20% potentiometer*1

1M ± 30% potentiometer*1

potentiometer knob*10

  • 10pcs linear potentiometer kit
  • 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k 50k 100k 250k 500k 1M linear potentiometer each 1pcs
  • 10pcs potentiometer knob

User questions & answers

Question: How many amps can they withstand
Answer: 0.125W 200V
Question: do they need resistor when connecting them to a power supply
Answer: These potentiometers are themselves resistors. If the potentiometer you've selected doesn't have high enough resistance, then you can add a resistor in series with it, but then you would lose the ability to reduce the resistance to near zero. Which would not be a problem in many applications.
Question: At 24 volts and 10 amps. What size potentiometer do I need
Answer: Forget it. At 10 amps you will just make smoke with any of these pots.

Hilitchi 60-Pcs 100 to 500K ohm 3296W Multiturn Trimmer Potentiometer Assortment Kit - [12 Value]

Hilitchi

Based on 163 reviews Check latest price
  • ☛ High Quality 3296W Multiturn Trimmer Potentiometers Assortment Kit.
  • ☛ Model : 3296W, Mounting Type: Through Hole (DIP), Resistive Material : Cermet.
  • ☛ Package Include: 60pcs, The Package Contains 12 Values of Each 5pcs, Packed in A Rugged Convenient Re-sealable Plastic Storage Case.
  • ☛ The Kit Resistance Value Include: 100Ω, 1KΩ, 10KΩ, 100KΩ, 200Ω, 2KΩ, 20KΩ, 200KΩ, 500Ω, 5KΩ, 50KΩ, 500KΩ
  • ☛ Use for Device Interior or Printed Circuit Boards Which Adjustable the Resistance Less.

User questions & answers

Question: How much variation do you get by turning the knob? e.g. 100 Ohm goes between what range of resistance values
Answer: You get pretty close to the full range of resistance. One end of the variation screw would take you to nearly / exactly 100% of the pot's labeled value (e.g. 100k) while turning the screw fully the other direction would take you down to less than 1% of the full value. The adjustment screw makes a clicking sound when either end of the adjustable range has been met. These pots worked great in my circuits!

Product features

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DaFuRui 20 PCS B10K 10K Ohm 3 Terminals Knurled Shaft Linear Rotary Taper Potentiometer with Black Knob Kit

DaFuRui

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price
  • ★100% brand new and high quality 3 Terminals Knurled Shaft Linear Rotary Taper Potentiometer with Black Knob Kit.
  • ★Total length: 31mm/1.2in,Knob Size: 15 x 17mm/0.6 x 0.67in(D*H)
  • ★Type: single linear(with nuts and washers). Total Rotation: 300degree.
  • ★Total:20 Pcs B10K Ohm taper potentiometer Compatible for Arduino.
  • ★Package Content:20Pcs B10K Ohm potentiometer,20Pcs black knob,20Pcs nuts,20Pcs washers.

Product features

Taper Potentiometer
Taper Potentiometer
Taper Potentiometer
Taper Potentiometer
Specification:

  • Product name:3 Terminals Taper potentiometer
  • Adjustment Type: top adjustment(with Black Knob)
  • Total Rotation: 300degree
  • Knob Size: 15 x 17 mm / 0.6 x 0.67inch(D*H)
  • Total length: 31 mm / 1.2inch

Description

  • Resistance value: B10K Ohm
  • Material: metal and carbon film
  • Type: single linear rotary

Package Content:

  • 20PCS B10K Ohm Taper Potentiometer
  • 20PCS black knob
  • 20PSC nuts
  • 20PSC washers

HUAREW 15 Values 150 Pcs Blue and White Adjustable Resistance Carbon Film Potentiometer 100 Ohm- 2M Ohm 6 mm Vertical pin Variable Trimmer Resistor Assortment Kit

HUAREW

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

HUAREW High quality adjustable resistance carbon film potentiometer assortment Kit



Performance parameters:



Resistance range (Ohms): 100 ~ 2M

Rotating torque: 60 ~ 150 g.cm

Maximum operating voltage: 50 V

Rated: 0.1 W

Resistance deviation: ± 20%

Resistance change characteristics: B

Rotation angle: 200 ° ± 20 °

Stop strength:> 500g.cm

Package Quantity:



101--------100 Ω----10 Pcs

102--------1 KΩ -----10 Pcs

103--------10 KΩ----10 Pcs

104--------100 KΩ--10 Pcs

105--------1 MΩ-----10 Pcs



201--------200 Ω----10 Pcs

202--------2 KΩ------10 Pcs

203--------20 KΩ----10 Pcs

204--------200 KΩ--10 Pcs

205--------2 MΩ-----10 Pcs

304--------300 KΩ----10 Pcs

501--------500 Ω------10 Pcs

502--------5 KΩ--------10 Pcs

503--------50 KΩ------10 Pcs

504--------500 KΩ----10 Pcs

  • ▲HUAREW High quality adjustable resistance carbon film potentiometer assortment Kit
  • ▲Rated: 0.1W
  • ▲Maximum operating voltage: 50V
  • ▲Resistance range (Ohms): 100 ~ 2M
  • ▲Package Quantity: 150 Pcs(Each model 10 Pcs)

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