DHT11 Sensor – Digital Temperature & Humidity Sensor for Arduino

DHT11 sensor

is a low-cost digital sensor designed to measure temperature and relative humidity in the surrounding air. It combines a thermistor for temperature measurement with a capacitive humidity sensing element and provides the readings through a digital data output.

Its simple connection makes it popular for Arduino projects, electronics experiments, environmental monitoring and DIY automation systems.

Key Features

Temperature and Humidity Measurement

The DHT11 sensor provides two environmental measurements from one compact device: temperature and relative humidity.

It can be used to monitor the surrounding air in an electronics project and is particularly useful when a project needs basic environmental data rather than just temperature readings.

The temperature measurement range is 0°C to 50°C, with a stated accuracy of approximately ±2°C. Humidity measurement is specified at approximately 20% to 80%/90% RH, with ±5% RH accuracy.

Simple Digital Interface

Unlike an analog temperature sensor that provides a continuously varying voltage, the DHT11 communicates its readings through a digital data connection.

The sensor uses a single data line for communication with a compatible microcontroller. This makes wiring straightforward for common development boards and DIY electronics projects.

3.3V to 5V Operation

The sensor operates from 3.3V to 5V DC, making it suitable for many commonly used microcontroller platforms.

Always check the voltage requirements of your particular development board and connect the sensor correctly before powering it.

Pin Configuration

The DHT11 typically uses three connections:

The DATA line may require a 4.7KΩ or 10KΩ pull-up resistor, depending on the particular DHT11 module or sensor configuration being used.

1 Hz Sampling Rate

The DHT11 has a sampling rate of approximately 1 Hz, meaning it is designed for roughly one reading per second.

This makes it suitable for applications where environmental conditions change relatively slowly, such as room monitoring, basic weather projects and temperature/humidity displays.

DHT11 Sensor for Arduino Projects

The DHT11 sensor is widely used in beginner and intermediate electronics projects because it provides both temperature and humidity readings through a relatively simple interface.

It can be incorporated into projects involving:

• Arduino temperature monitors
• Humidity monitoring
• Room environmental displays
• DIY weather stations
• Smart-home experiments
• Plant and greenhouse monitoring
• Electronics learning projects
• IoT prototypes

For projects using Arduino boards, the sensor can be connected to a suitable digital input and read using compatible software libraries. For more components for electronics, Arduino and DIY projects, explore our Robotics collection.

Useful for DIY Electronics

The DHT11 is a practical choice when a project requires basic environmental measurements without needing a complicated sensor setup.

Its combination of temperature and humidity sensing in one device reduces the number of separate sensors required for simple monitoring applications.

For more electronics components and equipment for your projects, explore our Electronics & Accessories collection.

Technical Specifications

Package Includes

A Simple Sensor for Temperature and Humidity Projects

The DHT11 sensor offers a straightforward way to add temperature and humidity measurement to an electronics project. Its 3.3V–5V operation, digital output and simple three-pin connection make it convenient for use with compatible Arduino and other microcontroller projects.

With a 0°C to 50°C temperature range, humidity measurement and approximately 1 Hz sampling, it is well suited to basic environmental monitoring, electronics experiments and DIY automation projects. For additional technical information about using DHT11 sensors, see the DHT11 sensor guide from Adafruit.