Kirchhoff's Current Law Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the kirchhoff's current law calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Total Current In

total_in = sum_in

Total Current Out

total_out = sum_out

Difference

difference = sum_in - sum_out

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
i_in1Current In 1(A)2
i_in2Current In 2(A)1
i_out1Current Out 1(A)1.5
i_out2Current Out 2(A)1.5
sum_inDerived value= i_in1 + i_in2calculated
sum_outDerived value= i_out1 + i_out2calculated

How It Works

Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)

Total current entering a junction equals total current leaving.

Principle

Sum(I_in) = Sum(I_out)

Based on conservation of charge.

Worked Example

2 A and 1 A entering, 1.5 A and 1.5 A leaving.

i_in1 = 2i_in2 = 1i_out1 = 1.5i_out2 = 1.5
  1. 01Total in = 2 + 1 = 3 A
  2. 02Total out = 1.5 + 1.5 = 3 A
  3. 03Difference = 0 A. KCL satisfied.