Capacitors in Series and Parallel Calculator
By Santaji GadepatilinUpdated October 28, 2026
Capacitors combine the opposite way to resistors: in parallel their capacitances add, while in series the total is smaller than the smallest one. This capacitors in series and parallel calculator handles up to four capacitors — see the capacitor working principle and series vs parallel circuits.
How to use the capacitors in series and parallel calculator
Choose series or parallel and enter up to four capacitor values. Enter 0 for any capacitor you are not using. The result is the equivalent capacitance.
Capacitors in series and parallel formulas
Parallel: C = C₁ + C₂ + C₃ + … · Series: 1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + 1/C₃ + …
For two capacitors in series: C = C₁C₂ ÷ (C₁ + C₂).
Examples
| Capacitors | Series | Parallel |
|---|---|---|
| 10 µF + 10 µF | 5 µF | 20 µF |
| 10 µF + 22 µF | 6.88 µF | 32 µF |
| 100 nF + 100 nF + 100 nF | 33.3 nF | 300 nF |
| 1 µF + 100 nF | 90.9 nF | 1.1 µF |
Voltage ratings
- Parallel: every capacitor sees the full voltage, so the lowest voltage rating applies.
- Series: voltage divides in inverse proportion to capacitance — the smallest capacitor takes the most voltage. For equal capacitors, ratings add, but add equal balancing resistors across each one.
Compared with resistors
Capacitors in parallel behave like resistors in series, and vice versa. See the resistors in series and parallel calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do capacitors add in parallel?
Directly — C_total = C1 + C2 + C3 + … Two 10 µF capacitors in parallel make 20 µF.
How do capacitors add in series?
As reciprocals — 1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + … Two 10 µF capacitors in series make 5 µF.
Why put capacitors in series?
To raise the voltage rating. Each capacitor shares the voltage; add balancing resistors so the voltage divides evenly.
How do I leave a capacitor out?
Enter 0 for C3 or C4 — unused capacitors are ignored in both series and parallel.