Series & Parallel Resistance/Capacitance Calculator

Understanding Series and Parallel Circuits

Series and parallel circuits are the two fundamental ways to connect electrical components. Understanding how resistance, voltage, and current behave in each configuration is essential for circuit design, troubleshooting, and analysis. Our calculator handles both resistors and capacitors in series or parallel configurations.

Series Resistance Calculation

In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current flow. The total resistance is the sum of all individual resistances:

• Current is the same through all components: $I_{1} = I_{2} = I_{3} = I_{total}$
• Voltage divides across components: $V_{total} = V_{1} + V_{2} + V_{3}$
• Total resistance increases with each added resistor

Parallel Resistance Calculation

In parallel circuits, components are connected across the same two points, providing multiple paths for current:

• Voltage is the same across all components: $V_{1} = V_{2} = V_{3} = V_{total}$
• Current divides among branches: $I_{total} = I_{1} + I_{2} + I_{3}$
• Total resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistance

Capacitors in Series and Parallel

Capacitors behave opposite to resistors:

• Series Capacitors: $1/C_{total} = 1/C_{1} + 1/C_{2} + 1/C_{3}$
• Parallel Capacitors: $C_{total} = C_{1} + C_{2} + C_{3}$

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select component type (Resistor or Capacitor)
2. Choose configuration (Series or Parallel)
3. Add components with their values
4. Enter supply voltage to see voltage, current, and power for each component
5. View total equivalent value and individual component analysis

Frequently Asked Questions