Skip to content

Potentiometer with Arduino Nano – Analog Input Control (Hardware & Wokwi Simulation)

#arduino nano #arduino #cpp #c #guide #DHT11 #DHT22

DHT 11 / 22

Table of Contents

Abstract

In this article, we will learn how to interface a potentiometer with the Arduino Nano to read analog values. A potentiometer is a variable resistor that allows us to manually change voltage levels, making it ideal for controlling brightness, motor speed, volume, and sensor calibration.

We will cover the hardware connections, understand how analog input works, write the Arduino code, and test the setup using real hardware or Wokwi simulation.

🧭 Pre-Request

  • OS : Windows / Linux / Mac / Chrome
  • Arduino IDE

Hardware Required

🛠️
Get the right hardware kit
Arduino boards, sensors, and maker essential Kits—perfectly matched for your learning.
Explore Hardware →
  • Arduino Nano.
  • Potentiometer (10kΩ)
  • BreadBoard.
  • Mini USB Cable.
  • Connecting wires.
  • 5V DC power supply (Optional)
Components Purchase Link
Arduino Nano link
Potentiometer (10kΩ) link
Mini USB Cable link
BreadBoard large : small
Connecting Wires link
5V DC Adaptor link

Don't own a hardware 😢

No worries,

💡Still you can learn using simulation. check out simulation part 😃.

💡Power your mission with reliable Arduino Kits. Explore Hardware →

  • Arduino Nano

  • Arduino Nano

Understanding the Potentiometer

A potentiometer is a three-terminal variable resistor. It works as a voltage divider, producing a variable output voltage depending on the position of its knob.

Pin Description

Pin Function
Left Pin GND
Middle Pin Output (Variable voltage)
Right Pin VCC (5V)

As you rotate the knob, the middle pin outputs a voltage between 0V and 5V.

Connection Table

Potentiometer → Arduino Nano

Potentiometer Pin Arduino Nano
Left Pin 5V
Middle Pin A0
Right Pin GND

Note

Arduino Nano has a built-in 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). This converts voltage (0–5V) into digital values from 0 to 1023.

Voltage ADC Value
0 V 0
2.5 V ~512
5 V 1023

Circuit Diagram

fig-Connection Diagram

📂 Code

 1
 2
 3
 4
 5
 6
 7
 8
 9
10
11
12
13
14
#define POT_PIN A0

void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
int potValue = analogRead(POT_PIN);

Serial.print("Potentiometer Value: ");
Serial.println(potValue);

delay(500);
}

Code Explanation

  • analogRead(A0) reads voltage from the potentiometer.
  • The value ranges from 0 to 1023.
  • The value is displayed on the Serial Monitor.
  • delay(500) updates the reading every 0.5 seconds.

Simulation

Not able to view the simulation

  • Desktop or Laptop : Reload this page ( Ctrl+R )
  • Mobile : Use Landscape Mode and reload the page
🛠️
Get the right hardware kit
Arduino boards, sensors, and maker essential Kits—perfectly matched for your learning.
Explore Hardware →

  • Arduino Nano

  • Arduino Nano

Extras

Components details

Modules / Libraries Used

NIL

Common Applications

  • LED brightness control
  • Volume control
  • Motor speed control
  • Menu navigation
  • Sensor calibration

Conclusion

Interfacing a potentiometer with Arduino Nano is one of the best ways to understand analog input. It allows real-time control of voltage, making it ideal for interactive electronics and IoT projects. Using Wokwi simulation, you can test and learn even without physical components.