Series & parallel capacitor calculator
Find the total capacitance of up to ten capacitors connected in series or in parallel. Capacitors combine the opposite way to resistors, and this calculator shows both results side by side.
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Capacitors combine the opposite way to resistors. In parallel they add up; in series the total goes down.
Result
Safety: in series, the voltage does not always split evenly, especially with electrolytics. Give every capacitor a rating above the full supply voltage, or ask a teacher about balancing resistors.
Parallel: C = C1 + C2 + …Series: 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + …Two in series: C1×C2 ÷ (C1+C2)Coro's tip: Easy way to remember: capacitors are the 'opposite' of resistors. Two equal capacitors in series give half; two in parallel give double.
Series & parallel capacitor calculator: common questions
How do capacitors add in parallel?
They simply add: C = C1 + C2 + …
How do capacitors add in series?
Add the reciprocals and invert: 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + … Two equal capacitors in series give half the value.
Does the voltage split evenly across series capacitors?
Not always, especially with electrolytics. Use capacitors each rated above the full supply voltage, or add balancing resistors.
For learning and low-voltage hobby circuits (12 V and below). Always check the part's datasheet. Never use these tools to plan mains (230 V) wiring.