Capacitor Calculator: Series and Parallel
This capacitor calculator handles the three jobs that come up most at the workbench. Combine any number of capacitors in series or parallel and get the total capacitance with automatic pF, nF and ยตF units. Decode a 3-digit ceramic capacitor code such as 104 or 472J into its value and tolerance. Or enter a capacitance and voltage to find the stored charge (Q = CV) and energy (E = ½CV²). Results update as you type.
Capacitor Calculator
Combine capacitors in series or parallel, decode a 3-digit code, or find charge and stored energy.
How to use the Capacitor Calculator
- Pick a mode: series/parallel, capacitor code, or charge and energy.
- Enter the values, separated by commas for several capacitors.
- Choose the unit, such as ยตF or nF.
- Read the result, shown in the most readable unit.
Capacitor formulas
Parallel: C = C1 + C2 + … · Series: 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + … · Charge: Q = C × V · Energy: E = ½ × C × V²
Features
- Series and parallel totals
- 3-digit code decoder with tolerance letter
- Charge and energy
- Auto pF, nF, ยตF units
Frequently asked questions
How do you add capacitors in parallel?
In parallel, capacitances simply add: C = C1 + C2 + C3. Two 10 ยตF capacitors in parallel make 20 ยตF.
How do you add capacitors in series?
In series, use the reciprocal rule: 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3. Two 10 ยตF capacitors in series make 5 ยตF.
What does 104 mean on a capacitor?
The first two digits are the value and the third is the number of zeros, in picofarads. 104 means 10 followed by 4 zeros, or 100,000 pF, which is 100 nF or 0.1 ยตF.
How much energy does a capacitor store?
E = ½ × C × V². A 1,000 ยตF capacitor charged to 12 V stores 0.072 joules.
What does the letter after the code mean?
It is the tolerance: F = ±1%, G = ±2%, J = ±5%, K = ±10%, M = ±20% and Z = +80/−20%.