Frequently Asked Questions
What is a series resistor?
Resistors connected end-to-end so current passes through each resistor sequentially.
How do I calculate total resistance in series?
Add all individual resistances: Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ... + Rn.
Does the order of resistors affect total resistance?
No, total resistance is the sum regardless of order.
Can I use this calculator for any number of resistors?
Yes, it supports any number of resistor values in series.
What happens to current in a series circuit?
The current is the same through all resistors in series.
Is voltage the same across all resistors?
No, voltage divides across resistors based on their resistance.
Can this calculator help with circuit design?
Yes, it helps design circuits with specific resistance requirements.
What units should resistor values be in?
Resistor values should be entered in ohms (Ω).
How is power dissipated in series resistors?
Power is dissipated in each resistor based on voltage drop and current.
Is this formula valid for AC circuits?
For pure resistors, yes. For reactive components, impedance must be considered.
What is a parallel resistor?
Resistors connected so the voltage across each is the same.
How do I calculate total resistance in parallel?
Use reciprocal sum: 1/Rt = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... + 1/Rn.
Is total resistance always less than the smallest resistor?
Yes, total resistance in parallel is always less.
Can I calculate with any number of resistors?
Yes, this formula applies to any number of parallel resistors.
Does current split among parallel resistors?
Yes, current divides according to each resistor's value.
Is voltage same across all resistors in parallel?
Yes, voltage is equal across each parallel resistor.
Can this calculator be used for AC circuits?
For resistors, yes; for reactive components, impedance is needed.
What units should resistor values be in?
Enter resistor values in ohms (Ω).
How do parallel resistors affect circuit design?
They control current paths and reduce overall resistance.
Is this calculator suitable for beginners?
Yes, it simplifies complex parallel resistance calculations.
What happens when capacitors are connected in series?
The total capacitance decreases and voltage is divided among capacitors.
How do you calculate total capacitance in series?
Use the reciprocal formula: 1/Ct = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + ...
Is total capacitance in series less than the smallest?
Yes, it's always smaller than the smallest capacitor.
Why use capacitors in series?
To achieve a lower capacitance or share high voltage across devices.
What units should I use for capacitors?
Use consistent units (μF, nF, or pF) for all inputs.
Does voltage split equally in series capacitors?
Not always—it depends on each capacitor’s value.
Can electrolytic capacitors be used in series?
Yes, but polarity and voltage ratings must be considered.
What if I mix microfarads and nanofarads?
Convert all to the same unit before calculating.
Is the calculator accurate for any number of capacitors?
Yes, it works for 2 or more capacitors.
Can this tool be used for AC circuits?
Yes, for AC analysis, total capacitance still applies.
What is a parallel capacitor?
Capacitors connected so each shares the same voltage across terminals.
How to calculate total capacitance in parallel?
Add all capacitor values: C_total = C1 + C2 + ... + Cn.
Does voltage change in parallel capacitors?
No, voltage across each capacitor is the same.
What happens to total capacitance in parallel?
It increases; values add together.
Is total capacitance higher in series or parallel?
Higher in parallel; lower in series.
Can I mix microfarad and nanofarad?
Yes, but convert to the same unit before adding.
Does polarity matter in parallel capacitors?
For polarized capacitors like electrolytics, yes.
How do I convert pF to µF?
Divide picofarads by 1,000,000.
Can I use this for AC circuits?
Yes, total capacitance affects AC behavior too.
Why use capacitors in parallel?
To increase total capacitance or improve filtering.