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Feature Size Scaling Calculator

Work out feature size scaling instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Feature Size Scaling Calculator

Classical Dennard scaling shrinks area with the square of the linear factor while voltage falls proportionally, cutting dynamic power. Since voltage scaling stalled around 1 V, real power reduction lags the ideal — modelled here with a 1.5 power exponent rather than the classical cube.

Formula

Scaling

area scales as s^2 where s = new node / old node; power scales more slowly than the ideal s^3

Worked example

With the default values below, Feature Size Scaling Calculator returns Scaled die area of 34.45. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Starting node
16 nm
Target node
7 nm
Starting die area
180 mm²
Starting power
65 W

Results

Scaled die area
34.45 mm²
Linear scale factor
0.4375 x
Area scale factor
0.1914 x
Scaled dynamic power
18.81 W

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Scaling
  3. 3Scaled die area= 34.45 mm²
  4. 4Linear scale factor= 0.4375 x
  5. 5Area scale factor= 0.1914 x
  6. 6Scaled dynamic power= 18.81 W

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Dennard scaling break down?

Threshold voltage could not keep falling without leakage exploding, so supply voltage stopped scaling around 1 V and power density began rising with each node.

Does area really scale with s squared?

Logic comes close; SRAM and analogue scale much worse, and interconnect pitch scales worst of all, so real die shrink is less than the ideal.

Related Calculators

Feature Size Scaling Calculator – Calculate Scaled die area