In this paper the complete analysis of the dc-link voltage ripple is given for single-phase H-bridge PWM inverters. The dc voltage ripple amplitude is analytically determined as a function of the modulation index and the load phase angle, considering both the switching frequency component and the double fundamental frequency component (i.e. 100 Hz). Peak-to-peak distribution, maximum amplitude, and rms values of the voltage switching ripple over the fundamental period are analytically determined and numerically verified by numerical simulations carried out by Matlab/Simulink. Simple and effective guidelines to design the dc-link capacitor are given on the basis of the dc-voltage ripple requirements.