Series and Parallel Capacitor Calculator
Equivalent capacitance of two capacitors in parallel and in series.
Results
Total capacitance
147.000000
µF
The other way round
31.972789
µF
In series
31.972789
µF
In parallel
147.000000
µF
Number · value · share of the sum
1 100 68.03
2 47 31.97
Components
2
Smallest
47.000000
µF
Largest
100.000000
µF
What this tool does
Capacitors behave the opposite way to resistors: in parallel they add, and in series the total is smaller than the smallest one. That is worth remembering, because wiring two capacitors in series to survive a higher voltage halves the capacitance.
Formula
in parallel: C = C₁ + C₂ + … · in series: 1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + … (the opposite of resistors)
Variables
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
values | The capacitances, one per line or separated by commas | — |
arrangement | How they are connected | — |
CP | Total capacitance | µF |
CS | The other way round | µF |
RS | In series | µF |
RP | In parallel | µF |
TB | Number · value · share of the sum | — |
NC | Components | — |
MN | Smallest | µF |
MX | Largest | µF |
Worked example
- The capacitances, one per line or separated by commas100, 47
- How they are connectedparallel
- Total capacitance147.000000 µF
- The other way round31.972789 µF
- In series31.972789 µF
- In parallel147.000000 µF
- Number · value · share of the sum1 100 68.03 2 47 31.97
- Components2
- Smallest47.000000 µF
- Largest100.000000 µF
Limitations
- The calculation runs at full precision and only the display is rounded. If you copy an intermediate value and retype it, small differences can appear.
- Electrical installations are governed by national wiring rules. Cable sizing also depends on installation method, grouping, ambient temperature and protection devices, which this calculator does not evaluate.