Spell damage vs per Caster Level

[Orc brains]

My first time playing a spell caster. I'm really enjoying it but I do however, have a question that I could not find a clear answer to in the core rule book.

I’m playing a 7th level Sorcerer.

The big question I have is what does "caster level" means when pertaining to spells damage.

Caster Level - A spell's power often depends on its caster level, which for most spell casting characters is equal to her class level in the class she's using to cast the spell.

You can cast a spell at a lower caster level than normal, but the caster level you choose must be high enough for you to cast the spell in question, and all level-dependent features must be based on the same caster level.

In the event that a class feature or other special ability provides an adjustment to your caster level, that adjustment applies not only to effects based on caster level (such as range, duration, and damage dealt), but also to your caster level check to overcome your target's spell resistance and to the caster level used in dispel checks (both the dispel check and the DC of the check).

My questions is when a spells states "damage per caster level." I’m a 7th level Sorcerer so my caster level is 7?

For instance:

A 7th level Sorcerer cast Lightning Bolt a 3rd level spell

You release a powerful stroke of electrical energy that deals 1d6 points of electricity damage per caster level (maximum 10d6) to each creature within its area. The bolt begins at your fingertips.
The lightning bolt sets fire to combustibles and damages objects in its path. It can melt metals with a low melting point, such as lead, gold, copper, silver, or bronze. If the damage caused to an interposing barrier shatters or breaks through it, the bolt may continue beyond the barrier if the spell's range permits; otherwise, it stops at the barrier just as any other spell effect does.

Will I only do 1d6 points of electricity damage because I can only cast 3rd level spells or does the spell do 7d6 points of electricity damage because the caster level is 7?

Thank you!!!

[Chess Pwn]

7d6 since your caster level is 7.

I'm a little confused as to where your confusion comes from. But the answer is 7d6.

[shroudb]

If you read the "spells" ability of sorcerer you will see that he gains "sorcerer level=caster level"

This isn't true for all spellcasting classes, the 1/3 ones (paladin, ranger) get their level-4 = caster level and etc

Or if you p.e. multi class out of sorcerer to cleric you will have 2 different caster levels, one for sorcerer spells, based on sorcerer level, and one for cleric spells based on cleric level.

Or if you multiclass away from sorcerer to fighter p.e. your caster level is again based only on sorcerer level (and on prestige classes that ecvplicity state "+1 to spellcasting level")