The calculation, without hidden assumptions
Capacitors reverse the familiar resistor pattern: parallel capacitances add, while series capacitances combine through reciprocals. This tool accepts values in microfarads, keeps the equation visible and can estimate ideal stored energy when a voltage is supplied.
How to use this calculator
Choose series or parallel.
Enter two to four capacitances in microfarads, leaving unused optional rows at zero.
Optionally enter voltage to calculate ideal energy stored by the equivalent capacitance.
Where people use it
- •Electronics design checks
- •Combining available capacitor values
- •Teaching capacitance network rules
Example: 10 µF and 20 µF in series
1/Ceq = 1/10 + 1/20 = 0.15 per µF, giving an equivalent capacitance of about 6.667 µF.
What the result does not assume
- •Real capacitors have tolerance, ESR, leakage, voltage ratings and frequency-dependent behavior not represented by this ideal network.
- •In series strings, voltage sharing may be unequal in real circuits without balancing components.
Frequently asked questions
Do capacitors add in parallel?+
Yes. Ideal capacitance values add directly in parallel.
Why is series capacitance smaller?+
The reciprocal relationship makes the equivalent value smaller than any positive capacitor in a simple series string.
What unit should I enter?+
Enter all capacitor values in microfarads. The result is returned in µF plus nF and F equivalents.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
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