How can potential difference be calculated?

To calculate potential difference in volt, work done should be divided by charge. Work done and charge should be in joules and coulombs respectively.

A potential difference, or voltage, is required for current flow across electrical components. For 1 joule of work that is done per joulomb charge, the voltage is equivalent to 1 JC^-1 or 1 V. Examples of items that can give potential difference are batteries and cells. A flashlight battery normally has 1.5 volts, while an automobile battery usually has 12 volts. To measure the voltage of an electrical component in a circuit, a voltmeter should be fixed parallel to it. Oscilloscopes and potentiometers are also used to measure potential difference.