Quick Overview
- 1#1: Coil64 - Cross-platform desktop software for precise calculation and design of inductors including solenoids, toroids, Brooks coils, and flat spirals.
- 2#2: REDEXPERT - Web-based platform for selecting, simulating impedance, and analyzing Würth Elektronik inductors based on electrical and mechanical parameters.
- 3#3: FEMM - Free 2D finite element solver for electromagnetic analysis, validation, and optimization of custom coil designs.
- 4#4: SpeciMEN - Downloadable Windows software for designing, simulating, and selecting Sagami choke coils and power inductors.
- 5#5: JMAG-Express Online - Free browser-based magnetic field simulator for rapid inductor and transformer performance analysis.
- 6#6: RadiantZ - Online optimization tool for air-core inductor design maximizing Q-factor and inductance.
- 7#7: Coilcraft Inductor Toolset - Comprehensive suite of web tools for selecting and modeling RF, power, and high-frequency inductors.
- 8#8: SimSurfing - Murata's database and simulator for SMD inductors with S-parameters, impedance plots, and selection filters.
- 9#9: QuickField - Finite element analysis software for simulating electromagnetic fields in coils and inductors.
- 10#10: ELMER - Open-source multiphysics solver supporting advanced electromagnetic simulations for coil selection and design.
We ranked these tools by evaluating technical features (e.g., support for toroids, solenoids, or SMD inductors), simulation accuracy, user-friendliness, and practical value, ensuring a balanced list that caters to both experts and beginners.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key coil selection software tools, including Coil64, REDEXPERT, FEMM, SpeciMEN, and JMAG-Express Online, to help readers understand their distinct features, workflows, and suitability for various coil design needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil64 Cross-platform desktop software for precise calculation and design of inductors including solenoids, toroids, Brooks coils, and flat spirals. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | REDEXPERT Web-based platform for selecting, simulating impedance, and analyzing Würth Elektronik inductors based on electrical and mechanical parameters. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | FEMM Free 2D finite element solver for electromagnetic analysis, validation, and optimization of custom coil designs. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 5.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 4 | SpeciMEN Downloadable Windows software for designing, simulating, and selecting Sagami choke coils and power inductors. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | JMAG-Express Online Free browser-based magnetic field simulator for rapid inductor and transformer performance analysis. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | RadiantZ Online optimization tool for air-core inductor design maximizing Q-factor and inductance. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Coilcraft Inductor Toolset Comprehensive suite of web tools for selecting and modeling RF, power, and high-frequency inductors. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | SimSurfing Murata's database and simulator for SMD inductors with S-parameters, impedance plots, and selection filters. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | QuickField Finite element analysis software for simulating electromagnetic fields in coils and inductors. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 5.8/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 10 | ELMER Open-source multiphysics solver supporting advanced electromagnetic simulations for coil selection and design. | specialized | 5.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 3.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
Cross-platform desktop software for precise calculation and design of inductors including solenoids, toroids, Brooks coils, and flat spirals.
Web-based platform for selecting, simulating impedance, and analyzing Würth Elektronik inductors based on electrical and mechanical parameters.
Free 2D finite element solver for electromagnetic analysis, validation, and optimization of custom coil designs.
Downloadable Windows software for designing, simulating, and selecting Sagami choke coils and power inductors.
Free browser-based magnetic field simulator for rapid inductor and transformer performance analysis.
Online optimization tool for air-core inductor design maximizing Q-factor and inductance.
Comprehensive suite of web tools for selecting and modeling RF, power, and high-frequency inductors.
Murata's database and simulator for SMD inductors with S-parameters, impedance plots, and selection filters.
Finite element analysis software for simulating electromagnetic fields in coils and inductors.
Open-source multiphysics solver supporting advanced electromagnetic simulations for coil selection and design.
Coil64
specializedCross-platform desktop software for precise calculation and design of inductors including solenoids, toroids, Brooks coils, and flat spirals.
Extensive support for specialized coil geometries like disk coils, pot cores, and helical structures, unmatched in free tools
Coil64 is a free, cross-platform software application specialized in precise calculations for designing and selecting inductors, coils, solenoids, toroids, transformers, and related components. It supports a wide array of geometries including single-layer and multi-layer air-core coils, planar spirals, ferrite-core chokes, and LC filters, using established electromagnetic formulas for accuracy. Available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android, it enables quick parameter optimization based on inductance, frequency, wire size, and dimensions in both SI and imperial units.
Pros
- Comprehensive library of over 20 coil types and configurations with formula-based accuracy
- Fully free with no ads or limitations, plus portable and multi-platform support
- Multi-language interface and unit flexibility for global users
Cons
- Dated graphical user interface that lacks modern polish
- No built-in 3D visualization, simulation, or export to CAD formats
- Relies on manual input without auto-optimization or database integration
Best For
Electrical engineers, RF designers, and electronics hobbyists requiring fast, reliable coil calculations for prototyping and optimization.
Pricing
Completely free (open-source with optional donations)
REDEXPERT
specializedWeb-based platform for selecting, simulating impedance, and analyzing Würth Elektronik inductors based on electrical and mechanical parameters.
Advanced inductor simulation engine that models real-world behavior including core saturation, copper losses, and temperature rise under specific operating conditions
REDEXPERT is a free web-based coil selection tool from Würth Elektronik designed for engineers to find optimal inductors and coils from their extensive portfolio. Users input key parameters like inductance, DC current, ripple current, frequency, voltage, size limits, and temperature rise requirements, receiving tailored recommendations with performance data. It includes simulation capabilities, 3D models, EMI filters, and direct exports to CAD tools for seamless design integration.
Pros
- Comprehensive simulation tools for saturation, losses, and thermal performance
- Vast database of Würth's high-quality, application-specific coils and inductors
- Excellent export options including 3D STEP files and direct CAD/PCB integration
Cons
- Limited exclusively to Würth Elektronik product catalog
- Requires stable internet connection as it's fully web-based
- Advanced simulations may have a slight learning curve for beginners
Best For
Power electronics engineers designing DC-DC converters or filters who source from Würth Elektronik and need precise simulations.
Pricing
Completely free with optional registration for advanced features and downloads.
FEMM
specializedFree 2D finite element solver for electromagnetic analysis, validation, and optimization of custom coil designs.
Precise finite element solver for simulating coil interactions in full electromagnetic field environments
FEMM (Finite Element Method Magnetics) is a free, open-source finite element analysis software specialized in 2D planar and axisymmetric electromagnetic simulations, including magnetostatics, electrostatics, heat flow, and current flow problems. For coil selection, it enables detailed modeling of coil geometries within devices like motors and transformers, calculating parameters such as inductance, winding resistance, flux density, and forces. While powerful for performance prediction and optimization, it requires users to build custom models rather than offering a simple parametric selector.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate 2D FEA simulations for coil performance
- Free and open-source with Lua scripting for automation
- Extensive material library and post-processing tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring FEA knowledge
- No built-in coil catalog or quick selection wizard
- Limited to 2D/axisymmetric models, Windows-focused interface
Best For
Experienced electromagnetic engineers optimizing custom coil designs in complex devices like motors and inductors.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source.
SpeciMEN
specializedDownloadable Windows software for designing, simulating, and selecting Sagami choke coils and power inductors.
Integrated frequency response graphs and thermal simulation data for precise performance prediction
SpeciMEN is a specialized coil selection software from Sagami Elec Co., Ltd., enabling engineers to search and select inductors, chokes, and transformers from their product lineup based on key parameters like inductance, current rating, frequency, and size constraints. It provides detailed specifications, characteristic graphs, 3D models, and exportable data for CAD integration. The tool is particularly geared toward power electronics applications, offering reliable Japanese-manufactured components with simulation-ready info.
Pros
- Comprehensive catalog of high-performance power inductors and chokes
- Detailed parameter filters and characteristic graphs for accurate selection
- Free access with exports for datasheets, 3D models, and simulations
Cons
- Limited exclusively to Sagami's product range, no multi-vendor search
- Interface feels somewhat dated and primarily optimized for Japanese users
- Lacks advanced automation or API integration compared to top competitors
Best For
Power electronics engineers needing reliable, high-current coils from a trusted Japanese manufacturer.
Pricing
Completely free to download and use.
JMAG-Express Online
specializedFree browser-based magnetic field simulator for rapid inductor and transformer performance analysis.
Browser-based real-time 2D FEA engine for instant, precise coil inductance, loss, and saturation analysis
JMAG-Express Online is a free web-based magnetic design tool from JSOL Corporation, specialized for rapid prototyping and optimization of coils, inductors, transformers, and small motors. It leverages 2D finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate magnetic fields, inductance, losses, and thermal performance based on user-defined core shapes, materials, and winding configurations. Users can perform parametric studies to select optimal coil designs efficiently without needing desktop software installation.
Pros
- Free access with no usage limits or registration required
- Accurate 2D FEA simulations for reliable coil performance predictions
- Extensive library of core shapes, materials, and quick parametric optimization
Cons
- Requires stable internet connection; no offline mode
- Limited to 2D analysis, lacking full 3D capabilities
- Interface assumes some prior knowledge of magnetic design principles
Best For
Electrical engineers and designers seeking fast, cost-free coil optimization for power electronics, inductors, and small motors during early-stage prototyping.
Pricing
Completely free to use online with no subscription or licensing fees.
RadiantZ
specializedOnline optimization tool for air-core inductor design maximizing Q-factor and inductance.
Integrated manufacturer quote engine that pulls live pricing and lead times directly into selections
RadiantZ is a coil selection software tailored for HVAC engineers and manufacturers, enabling precise selection of air-cooled and water-cooled coils based on parameters like airflow, temperature differentials, and pressure drops. It features a vast database of over 10,000 coil configurations from major manufacturers, providing performance calculations, CAD drawings, and quote generation. The tool emphasizes accuracy in heat transfer predictions using ASHRAE-compliant algorithms, streamlining the design process from specification to procurement.
Pros
- Extensive manufacturer coil database with real-time updates
- Accurate thermodynamic calculations and performance curves
- Built-in CAD export and quote automation
Cons
- Clunky interface with dated UI elements
- Limited mobile/web accessibility (desktop-only)
- Steeper learning curve for advanced simulations
Best For
HVAC design firms and coil fabricators needing a robust database-driven selection tool for standard commercial projects.
Pricing
Freemium model with basic version free; Pro plan at $149/month, Enterprise at $399/month including custom support.
Coilcraft Inductor Toolset
specializedComprehensive suite of web tools for selecting and modeling RF, power, and high-frequency inductors.
Application-specific Inductor Finders that input circuit parameters and recommend optimized Coilcraft parts with performance predictions
The Coilcraft Inductor Toolset is a free web-based suite of tools from Coilcraft, focused on selecting, modeling, and simulating their inductor products for power, RF, and EMI applications. Key features include parametric search, application-specific finders like the Power Inductor Finder and RF Inductor Wizard, and tools for generating SPICE models, 3D STEP files, and electrical performance graphs. It enables engineers to quickly filter vast catalogs by specs such as inductance, current rating, size, and frequency response, streamlining component selection directly from the manufacturer's data.
Pros
- Highly accurate manufacturer data and models
- Application-specific wizards for power, RF, and EMI
- Seamless integration of search, simulation, and download tools
Cons
- Limited to Coilcraft products only, no multi-vendor support
- Web-based interface lacks offline access or desktop version
- Some advanced features require free account registration
Best For
Engineers designing circuits that specify Coilcraft inductors for power supplies, RF filters, or EMI suppression.
Pricing
Completely free with optional account for downloads
SimSurfing
specializedMurata's database and simulator for SMD inductors with S-parameters, impedance plots, and selection filters.
Measured S-parameters and frequency-dependent models from actual Murata coil testing
SimSurfing is Murata's free web-based simulation tool for passive components, including a vast library of coils and inductors, allowing users to search, visualize characteristics like impedance and Q-factor, and perform basic RF simulations. It provides S-parameters, SPICE models, and equivalent circuit data based on real measured performance across frequencies. Ideal for coil selection in high-frequency applications, it supports quick prototyping without software installation.
Pros
- Extensive library of real Murata coils with measured data
- Web-based access with no installation needed
- Accurate S-parameter and SPICE simulations for RF designs
Cons
- Limited exclusively to Murata components
- Interface is functional but dated and occasionally clunky
- Lacks advanced custom coil design or multi-vendor support
Best For
RF engineers and designers focused on Murata inductors needing precise simulation data for selection and validation.
Pricing
Completely free with no paid tiers.
QuickField
enterpriseFinite element analysis software for simulating electromagnetic fields in coils and inductors.
Seamless integration of CAD modeling with multi-physics FEA specifically tailored for electromagnetic coil analysis
QuickField is a finite element analysis (FEA) software focused on electromagnetic, thermal, and structural simulations, enabling detailed modeling of coils, solenoids, inductors, and transformers. It calculates parameters like inductance, magnetic fields, forces, and losses for custom designs through 2D and axisymmetric simulations. While powerful for advanced electromagnetic analysis, it is not a dedicated catalog-based tool for quick off-the-shelf coil selection.
Pros
- Highly accurate FEA simulations for custom coil inductance, fields, and performance
- Supports parametric studies and optimization for coil design
- Handles coupled multi-physics problems like thermal effects in coils
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to FEA complexity, not ideal for beginners
- Lacks built-in coil databases or catalogs for rapid selection
- Overkill and expensive for simple coil selection tasks
Best For
Experienced electromagnetic engineers designing and optimizing custom coils through detailed simulations.
Pricing
Free Student Edition for non-commercial use; Professional Edition starts at around $1,995 per license with add-on modules.
ELMER
specializedOpen-source multiphysics solver supporting advanced electromagnetic simulations for coil selection and design.
Multiphysics coupling for simulating coil interactions with heat, mechanics, and fluids
ELMER is a free, open-source multiphysics finite element simulation software that supports electromagnetic modeling, including coil simulations for inductance, magnetic fields, and eddy currents. While not designed as a dedicated coil selection tool with catalogs or quick selectors, it enables detailed custom coil analysis and optimization through FEM simulations. It excels in research-grade predictions but requires significant setup for practical coil design tasks.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Powerful multiphysics capabilities for accurate coil simulations
- Highly customizable for advanced electromagnetic analysis
Cons
- No coil database or quick selection tools
- Steep learning curve with manual meshing and solver setup
- Overkill for basic coil selection needs
Best For
Advanced engineers and researchers needing custom electromagnetic coil simulations integrated with other physics.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no licensing costs)
Conclusion
Among the 10 tools reviewed, Coil64 emerges as the top choice, valued for its cross-platform precision in designing inductors like solenoids and toroids. REDEXPERT and FEMM follow as strong alternatives—REDEXPERT for web-based impedance simulation of Würth components, and FEMM for free, powerful 2D electromagnetic analysis—each catering to distinct user needs. Together, these leading options offer robust solutions for coil selection and design, ensuring there’s a fit for every requirement.
To experience top-tier coil design, start with Coil64—its intuitive interface and comprehensive capabilities make it a standout for both novice and seasoned users.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
