Why is series capacitance smaller?
For positive ideal capacitors, the reciprocal sum makes the equivalent smaller than the smallest individual capacitor.
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Capacitors in Series & Parallel Calculator — Equivalent Capacitance
Calculate equivalent capacitance for up to four ideal capacitors connected entirely in series or entirely in parallel.
Result
20 µF
2 capacitor(s) in parallel
Direct capacitance sum applied.
Formula and worked example
Parallel: C_eq = ΣC; series: 1/C_eq = Σ(1/C_i).
Two 10 µF capacitors equal 20 µF in parallel or 5 µF in series.
Assumptions
- All entered capacitors use the same selected capacitance unit before calculation.
- Mixed series-parallel topologies require reducing groups separately; this owner handles one all-series or all-parallel group at a time.
Last updated: 2026-09-16
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter different capacitance values?
Yes. Up to four positive capacitor values can be combined.