A method and apparatus provides for a measurement technique which approximates the true rms value of a current waveform. The technique involves converting the current waveform to a voltage by rectification and determining the peak value and the average value of the resultant voltage. A summing circuit combines the two values at a predetermined ratio to create a DC voltage that is approximately equal to the rms value of the input currents. The DC voltage output is suitable for a wide range of applications. A combination of the approximation circuit with a time integrating circuit and a level detecting circuit produces a low cost solid state overload relay in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Other uses include metering and use as a current feedback control signal for controlling PWM inverters and the like.