Capacitors Series/Parallel Calculator
Calculate total capacitance for series or parallel capacitors.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
Can't find what you need?
Request a ToolHow to Use the Capacitors Series/Parallel Calculator
Select series or parallel, then enter up to five capacitance values in farads. Leave unused fields blank. The calculator shows the total equivalent capacitance instantly.
About Capacitors Series/Parallel
When capacitors are connected in a circuit, their combined capacitance depends on the arrangement. In parallel, capacitances add directly because the effective plate area increases. In series, the reciprocals add because the effective plate separation increases. These rules are the opposite of how resistors combine, which is a common source of confusion. Understanding series and parallel capacitance is essential for filter design, power supply smoothing, and timing circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do capacitors combine in series?
In series, the reciprocal of total capacitance equals the sum of reciprocals of individual capacitances: 1/Ct = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + ... The total is always less than the smallest individual capacitor.
How do capacitors combine in parallel?
In parallel, capacitances simply add: Ct = C1 + C2 + ... The total capacitance is always greater than the largest individual capacitor.
Why is series capacitance smaller than any single capacitor?
In series, each capacitor shares the same charge but the voltage divides among them. The effective plate separation increases, reducing total capacitance.