Series Capacitor Calculator
Calculate the total capacitance of capacitors connected in series. Also find voltage distribution, charge, and energy stored across each capacitor in your circuit.
Series Capacitor Formula:
1/Ctotal = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + 1/C₃ + ... (Result is always less than the smallest capacitor)
🔌 Enter Capacitor Values
Add 2-10 capacitors connected in series
Formula Used:
1/Ctotal = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + ...
📊 Results
Total Capacitance
6.875 µF
Calculation Steps:
💡 Note: The total capacitance (6.875 µF) is less than the smallest capacitor in the series.
⚡ How to Calculate Capacitors in Series
When capacitors are connected in series, the total capacitance decreases. This is the opposite of resistors, where series connection increases total resistance. Understanding this relationship is essential for circuit design and analysis.
The Series Capacitor Formula
1/Ctotal = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + 1/C₃ + ...
Example Calculation
Let's calculate the total capacitance of two capacitors in series: 10 µF and 22 µF.
1/Ctotal = 1/10 + 1/22
1/Ctotal = 0.1 + 0.0455 = 0.1455
Ctotal = 1/0.1455 = 6.87 µF
Why Does Capacitance Decrease?
In a series connection, the same charge (Q) accumulates on each capacitor, but the voltage divides among them. Since capacitance is defined as C = Q/V, and the total voltage increases while charge stays the same, the effective capacitance decreases.
Voltage Distribution in Series Capacitors
The voltage across each capacitor is inversely proportional to its capacitance. Smaller capacitors receive higher voltage drops:
Vn = Vtotal × (Ctotal / Cn)
Series vs Parallel Capacitors
| Property | Series | Parallel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Capacitance | Decreases | Increases |
| Charge (Q) | Same on all | Divides |
| Voltage | Divides | Same on all |
| Formula | 1/C = Σ(1/Cₙ) | C = ΣCₙ |
📋 Quick Formulas
• 1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + ...
• Two caps: C = C₁C₂/(C₁+C₂)
• Equal caps: C = C/n
• Q = Ctotal × V
• E = ½CV²
💡 Did You Know?
Series capacitors are commonly used in high-voltage applications to increase the overall voltage rating beyond what a single capacitor can handle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For capacitors in series, use the reciprocal formula: 1/C_total = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + 1/C₃ + ... Calculate the reciprocal of each capacitor value, add them together, then take the reciprocal of that sum. The total capacitance is always less than the smallest individual capacitor.
When capacitors are connected in series, the effective plate separation increases while the charge storage ability decreases. Think of it like making the dielectric thicker - this reduces the overall capacitance. The same charge flows through all capacitors, but the voltage divides among them.
The voltage across each capacitor is inversely proportional to its capacitance: V_n = V_total × (C_total / C_n). Smaller capacitors get higher voltage drops. The sum of all individual voltages equals the total applied voltage.
For exactly two capacitors in series, use the simplified formula: C_total = (C₁ × C₂) / (C₁ + C₂). This is often called the 'product over sum' formula and is easier than using the reciprocal method for just two capacitors.
Yes! All capacitors in series store the same charge (Q). This is because the same current flows through all of them during charging. However, the voltage across each capacitor differs based on its capacitance value (V = Q/C).
Use series capacitors when you need: (1) Higher voltage rating - the total voltage rating increases, (2) Lower capacitance - useful for tuning circuits, (3) Voltage division - to create specific voltage drops. Series connections are common in high-voltage applications and resonant circuits.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides theoretical values for ideal capacitors. Real-world capacitors may have tolerances, leakage currents, and ESR that affect actual circuit performance. Always verify calculations for critical applications.