Electronics · Capacitors
Capacitors in series and parallel calculator.
List your capacitors to see the total if they are wired in series and if they are wired in parallel.
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Capacitors in series and parallel
In parallel capacitances add: C = C₁ + C₂ + …. In series the reciprocals add: 1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + …. This is the opposite of resistors. Series total is always smaller than the smallest part; parallel total is larger than the largest.
Worked example. 10 µF, 10 µF and 4.7 µF: in parallel 24.7 µF; in series 1 ÷ (0.1 + 0.1 + 0.2128) = 2.423 µF. Two equal capacitors in series give exactly half of one.
Series capacitors share voltage in inverse proportion to capacitance, so mismatched parts can exceed their own rating even when the total rating looks fine. Check each part’s voltage rating and use balancing resistors for high-voltage series stacks.
Frequently asked questions
How do you add capacitors in parallel?
Add the capacitances: 10 µF + 10 µF + 4.7 µF = 24.7 µF.
How do you add capacitors in series?
Add the reciprocals and invert: 1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + …. Two 10 µF in series make 5 µF.
Why is it opposite to resistors?
Parallel capacitors act as one bigger plate area, so values add. Series capacitors act as a wider gap, so the total falls.
Does series wiring raise the voltage rating?
Only if the voltage divides safely between the parts. Unequal capacitances or leakage can overload one, so do not rely on it without balancing.
What value formats work?
Plain farads (0.000001), or prefixes such as 4.7u, 100n, 22p and 4u7.
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Scope and safety
Low-voltage hobby and study use only. Results are ideal-component arithmetic from the formulas shown, not an engineering design or professional advice. Real parts vary with tolerance, temperature and age, so check the datasheet for every part. Never work on mains-powered circuits from a calculator result, and discharge large capacitors safely before handling.