Series Capacitance Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the series capacitance calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Total Capacitance
total_capacitance = 1 / (1/c1 + 1/c2)Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
c1 | Capacitor 1(μF) | 100 |
c2 | Capacitor 2(μF) | 220 |
How It Works
Series Capacitance
Capacitors in series have reciprocal addition, opposite to resistors.
Formula
1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + ...
The total capacitance is always less than the smallest individual capacitor. This is the opposite behavior from resistors in series.
Worked Example
Two capacitors in series: 100 μF and 220 μF.
c1 = 100c2 = 220
- 011/C = 1/100 + 1/220 = 0.01 + 0.004545 = 0.014545
- 02C = 1 / 0.014545 = 68.75 μF
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Series Capacitance Calculator