Series and Parallel RLC Network Calculator
Calculate equivalent values for simple groups of resistors, capacitors, or inductors in series or parallel.
Network inputs
Calculate equivalent values for simple series or parallel groups of resistors, capacitors, or inductors.
Equivalent network result
| Branch | Current | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5mA | 25mW |
| 2 | 2.2727mA | 11.364mW |
The result assumes ideal lumped components with no parasitic resistance, leakage, ESR, ESL, self-resonance, tolerance spread, voltage coefficient, or thermal effects. Current and power outputs are meaningful only in resistor mode when an applied DC voltage is entered. For capacitors and inductors, this calculator gives equivalent capacitance or inductance only. It does not calculate AC impedance, reactance, phase, Q, or frequency-dependent behaviour.
Reduce a small R, C, or L network to one value
Use this calculator for quick schematic-level series and parallel combinations before moving into power, energy, impedance, or tolerance checks.
Resistors
Combine series or parallel resistors and optionally calculate DC current and power from applied voltage.
Capacitors
Parallel capacitors add; series capacitors combine by reciprocal sum.
Inductors
Series inductors add; parallel inductors combine like parallel resistors in the ideal case.
Related calculators
Ohm's law calculator
Use the equivalent resistance in a voltage/current/power check.
Resistor power calculator
Check dissipation after finding the equivalent resistance.
Capacitor energy calculator
Use the equivalent capacitance in an energy calculation.
Inductor energy calculator
Use the equivalent inductance in a stored-energy check.
Engineering reference
Equations, assumptions, and design guidance
Calculates equivalent values for ideal series and parallel groups of resistors, capacitors, or inductors.
Equations and variables
Xtotal = sum(Xi)1/Xtotal = sum(1/Xi)Ctotal = sum(Ci)1/Ctotal = sum(1/Ci)- R
- Resistance (ohm)
- C
- Capacitance (F)
- L
- Inductance (H)
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- All components are ideal lumped values.
- Resistor current and power outputs use DC applied voltage only.
Limitations
- Parasitics, temperature effects, voltage coefficient, ESR, ESL, self-resonance, tolerance spread, layout, and frequency-dependent impedance are not modelled.
Worked example and design use
1 k and 2.2 k in parallel
Inputs: R1 = 1 k, R2 = 2.2 k
Outputs: Req = 687.5 ohm
Design guidance
- Use the equivalent value as a schematic-level convenience check, then account for tolerance, power, voltage rating, and real component behaviour.