CAPACITOR NETWORKS

Parallel Capacitor Calculator

Add parallel capacitances and calculate charge and stored energy at a chosen voltage.

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Parallel CapacitorsLIVE CALCULATION

Set your values

Ideal capacitor network. This tool does not calculate permissible voltage ratings, leakage, ESR, or charging time.

C₁C₂Cₙ+ V0 V
The relationshipCtotal = C₁ + C₂ + …

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How to use this calculator

  1. Enter at least two capacitance values, using pF, nF, µF, mF, or F for each.
  2. Add or remove capacitors, up to a maximum of 12.
  3. Read the equivalent capacitance.
  4. Optionally enter an applied voltage to calculate stored charge and energy.

A quick worked example

A 10 µF capacitor in parallel with a 20 µF capacitor gives 30 µF. At 12 V, the charges are 120 µC and 240 µC, totaling 360 µC. Total stored energy is 2.16 mJ.

Qtotal = Ctotal × V; Qn = Cn × V; E = ½CV²

A few useful answers

Why do parallel capacitances add?

Every capacitor sees the same voltage. Their charges add, giving a total charge equal to the sum of capacitances multiplied by that shared voltage.

Can I mix capacitance values and units?

Yes. Each capacitor has its own unit selector. The calculator converts all values to farads before adding them.

Does adding capacitors increase voltage rating?

Parallel connection does not increase the individual capacitors’ voltage ratings: every capacitor experiences the full applied voltage. This tool reports capacitance, charge and energy, not a rated operating voltage.

Model & assumptions: Ideal parallel capacitor network at a common voltage. ESR, ESL, tolerances, leakage, charging transients and voltage ratings are not modeled.

Reference: OpenStax — Capacitors in Series and Parallel ↗

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