Current Divider Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the current divider calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Current through R1
i1 = total_current * r2 / (r1 + r2)Current through R2
i2 = total_current * r1 / (r1 + r2)Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
total_current | Total Current(A) | 1 |
r1 | Resistance R1(Ω) | 100 |
r2 | Resistance R2(Ω) | 200 |
How It Works
Current Divider Rule
When two resistors are in parallel, current splits inversely proportional to resistance.
Formula
I1 = I_total x R2 / (R1 + R2)
I2 = I_total x R1 / (R1 + R2)
More current flows through the smaller resistance.
Worked Example
1 A splits between R1 = 100 ohms and R2 = 200 ohms in parallel.
total_current = 1r1 = 100r2 = 200
- 01I1 = 1 x 200 / (100 + 200) = 0.6667 A
- 02I2 = 1 x 100 / (100 + 200) = 0.3333 A
- 03Check: 0.6667 + 0.3333 = 1.0 A
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Current Divider Calculator