🔋 Series & Parallel Capacitor Calculator
Enter a list of capacitor values in µF and get the total capacitance both in parallel (added up) and in series (the reciprocal rule).
In parallel (side by side)
6 µF
C₁ + C₂ + … (adds up)
In series (end to end)
545.5 nF
always less than the smallest
3 capacitors: 1 µF, 2 µF, 3 µF
Capacitors are the opposite of resistors: in parallel they add (C = C₁ + C₂ + …), while in series the reciprocals add (1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + …), giving a total smaller than the smallest capacitor. Two equal capacitors in series give half the value. 🔒 In your browser.
How the series & parallel capacitor calculator works
Capacitors combine the opposite way to resistors. In parallel they share the same voltage and their capacitances add: C = C₁ + C₂ + …. In series the same charge sits on each, the voltages add, and the reciprocals combine: 1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + …, giving a total smaller than the smallest capacitor. Enter any number of values in microfarads separated by commas, spaces or new lines; both totals update as you type.
Put capacitors in parallel to increase total capacitance (common for bulk supply decoupling); series capacitors reduce it but share the voltage, which raises the effective voltage rating. Two equal capacitors in series give half the value at twice the voltage handling.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate capacitors in parallel?
Add them: C = C₁ + C₂ + …. Three capacitors of 1, 2 and 3 µF in parallel total 6 µF. Parallel capacitors share the same voltage and their charges add.
How do I calculate capacitors in series?
Add the reciprocals and invert: 1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + …. Two 2 µF capacitors in series give 1 µF — the total is always less than the smallest.
Why are capacitors the opposite of resistors?
Capacitance is proportional to plate area and inversely to plate spacing. Parallel capacitors add plate area (more capacitance); series capacitors effectively increase spacing (less), which mirrors the series/parallel rules for resistors flipped around.
Does putting capacitors in series increase voltage rating?
Yes — the applied voltage divides across them, so series capacitors can withstand more total voltage, though real designs add balancing resistors because tolerances make the split uneven. The total capacitance drops accordingly.
What is the series capacitance of two equal capacitors?
Half the value. Two 10 µF capacitors in series give 5 µF. In general N equal capacitors in series give C ÷ N.