How do capacitors combine in parallel?

Parallel capacitors share the same voltage, so their capacitance values add directly.

How do capacitors combine in series?

Series capacitors carry the same ideal charge magnitude. Their reciprocal capacitances add, making the equivalent capacitance no larger than the smallest capacitor.

What does a zero-farad capacitor do?

A zero-farad capacitor contributes nothing in parallel. In an ideal series chain it makes the equivalent capacitance zero farads.

Can this calculator analyze voltage and stored energy?

Yes. Optional voltage analysis calculates per-capacitor voltage, charge, stored energy, and network totals using ideal nominal capacitances.

Capacitor Series / Parallel Calculator

Build a series or parallel capacitor network, calculate its equivalent capacitance, and optionally inspect voltage, charge, and stored energy throughout the circuit.

Capacitor Series / Parallel Calculator

Build a series or parallel capacitor network, calculate its equivalent capacitance, and optionally inspect voltage, charge, and stored energy throughout the circuit.

Live capacitor network

Parallel circuit

Equivalent capacitance

32 µF10 µF + 22 µF in parallel

Connection: Parallel
Capacitors: 2
Smallest: 10 µF
Largest: 22 µF

Network breakdown

Capacitor relationships

Formula reference

Capacitor network relationships

Parallel network

C_total = C₁ + C₂ + … + C_n

Every capacitor shares the supply voltage; total capacitance increases.

Series network

1 / C_total = 1 / C₁ + 1 / C₂ + … + 1 / C_n

Every ideal capacitor carries equal charge; lower capacitance receives higher voltage.

Charge and energy

Q = C × V · E = ½ × C × V²

Optional voltage analysis applies these relationships to every component.

Quick examples

Common capacitor combinations

10 µF + 22 µF32 µF in parallel

10 µF in series with 10 µF5 µF equivalent

10 µF in series with 20 µF≈ 6.667 µF equivalent

Capacitor Series / Parallel Calculator

Parallel circuit

Capacitor relationships

Voltage, charge & energy

Capacitor network relationships

Common capacitor combinations