What does the turns ratio describe in a transformer?

The turns ratio in a transformer specifically refers to the ratio between the number of coils or turns in the primary winding compared to the number of coils or turns in the secondary winding. This ratio directly influences how voltage is transformed across the windings, determining whether the transformer steps up or steps down voltage.

When you have a turns ratio, it indicates not just the physical count of the wire loops but also how the electrical properties such as voltage and current are related. A higher number of turns in the primary coil compared to the secondary means the transformer is designed to step down the voltage, and vice versa for a lower number in the primary.

Other aspects, such as the relationship between voltage and current, or the total power output, are indeed related to how transformers operate but do not directly describe what the turns ratio signifies. The essence of the turns ratio is tied to the coils themselves, making the understanding of this concept crucial for evaluating and applying transformer functionality in electrical systems.