# Capacitor Parallel/Series Calculator

Use this calculator to determine the total capacitance of a network. This calculator can give results for series, parallel, and any combination of the two. A schematic is automatically drawn as capacitors are added to the network as a visual aid.
Capacitor Values
Enter the values for your capacitors below. See our article on conversion factors for information on unit prefixes.

Capacitors are often used in different configurations to achieve different values required for a circuit. Tube amp power supplies often make use of capacitors in series or parallel for a multitude of reasons. Two equations can be used to find the total capacitance of these circuits.

### Capacitors in Series

Capacitors are in series when chained together in a single line. The charging current flowing is common to all capacitors in this chain. This is because the current flowing through the first capacitor has one path through each of the following capacitors in the chain. The total capacitance is equal the sum of the reciprocal of each capacitor’s value used.

$$\frac{1}{C_{\text{equiv}}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + \ldots \frac{1}{C_n}$$

Be sure to convert each capacitor’s value to the same units before using them in the equation.

### Capacitors in Parallel

Capacitors are in parallel when they share the same two nodes. The voltage across each capacitor in this configuration is common. The total capacitance is the sum of each capacitor’s value used in parallel.

$$C_{\text{equiv}} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + \ldots C_n$$

Be sure to convert each capacitor’s value to the same units before using them in the equation.