Total Parallel Capacitance
Enter two or more capacitor values to calculate their combined capacitance.
Capacitor Values
What Is a Parallel Capacitor Calculator?
A Parallel Capacitor Calculator finds the total capacitance of multiple capacitors connected across the same two electrical nodes. In a parallel connection, each capacitor experiences the same voltage while their capacitance values combine directly.
Unlike capacitors connected in series, calculating parallel capacitors is simple because all individual capacitance values are added together. This tool also handles unit conversion automatically, so capacitor values can use different units.
How to Use the Parallel Capacitor Calculator
- Enter the capacitance value of the first capacitor.
- Select its unit: pF, nF, µF, mF, or F.
- Enter the value and unit of the second capacitor.
- Use the Add Capacitor button for additional capacitors.
- Click Calculate Capacitance.
- The calculator will display the total parallel capacitance.
You can combine different units in the same calculation. For example, one capacitor can be entered in nanofarads while another is entered in microfarads.
Parallel Capacitor Formula
Capacitors connected in parallel are added directly. The equivalent capacitance is therefore the sum of every capacitor in the parallel network.
This means adding additional capacitors in parallel increases the total capacitance available in the circuit.
Parallel Capacitor Calculation Example
Suppose three capacitors of 10 µF, 22 µF, and 47 µF are connected in parallel. Their equivalent capacitance is calculated by adding the three values.
CT = 79 µF
The resulting 79 µF acts as the total capacitance of the parallel capacitor network.
How Parallel Capacitors Work
Capacitance Adds
Each capacitor contributes directly to the total capacitance, so the equivalent value increases as more capacitors are added.
Same Voltage
Capacitors connected in parallel are connected across the same nodes, so the voltage across each branch is the same.
More Stored Charge
Increasing total capacitance increases the amount of charge the capacitor network can store at a given voltage.
Capacitance Units Explained
The farad is the standard SI unit of electrical capacitance. Electronic circuits commonly use much smaller values, so capacitors are frequently rated in millifarads, microfarads, nanofarads, or picofarads.
| Capacitance Unit | Symbol | Equivalent in Farads |
|---|---|---|
| Farad | F | 1 F |
| Millifarad | mF | 0.001 F |
| Microfarad | µF | 0.000001 F |
| Nanofarad | nF | 0.000000001 F |
| Picofarad | pF | 0.000000000001 F |
Series vs Parallel Capacitors
Series Capacitors
For capacitors connected in series, reciprocal capacitance values are added. The equivalent capacitance becomes smaller than the smallest capacitor.
Parallel Capacitors
Parallel capacitor values are added directly. Their total capacitance is greater than any individual capacitor in the network.
Unit Conversion
Always convert capacitance values to compatible units before adding them manually. This calculator performs the conversion automatically.
Why Connect Capacitors in Parallel?
Parallel capacitor combinations are common when a circuit requires more capacitance than one available capacitor can provide. Several smaller capacitors can be combined to reach a desired capacitance value.
Parallel capacitors are also used in filtering, power supplies, decoupling, energy storage, and other electronic applications. The exact capacitor type and voltage rating should always be appropriate for the circuit being designed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate capacitors in parallel?
Simply add all capacitance values together. For example, 10 µF and 20 µF capacitors connected in parallel have a total capacitance of 30 µF.
Does capacitance increase in parallel?
Yes. Each additional capacitor contributes its capacitance to the total, so equivalent capacitance increases when capacitors are connected in parallel.
Is voltage the same across parallel capacitors?
Yes. Ideal capacitors connected in parallel share the same two circuit nodes, so the voltage across every capacitor is the same.
Can I use different capacitor units together?
Yes. The calculator supports pF, nF, µF, mF, and F. Each value is converted to farads internally before the total is calculated.
Can more than two capacitors be connected in parallel?
Yes. Multiple capacitors can be connected in parallel, and their total capacitance is the sum of all individual capacitance values.
What happens if all parallel capacitors have the same value?
If all capacitors have equal capacitance, multiply the capacitance of one capacitor by the number of capacitors. For example, four 10 µF capacitors equal 40 µF.