Physics
Loss
The fraction of the input that does not become useful output, mostly heat and sound.
The Formula
loss = 1 - efficiency
The fraction of the input that does not become useful output, mostly heat and sound.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Loss | ratio | Fraction of input wasted. |
| eta | Efficiency | ratio | Fraction of input that is useful. |
What Each Symbol Means
Lratio
Loss
Fraction of input wasted.
etaratio
Efficiency
Fraction of input that is useful.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate efficiency page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Efficiency, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.