Created By : Vaibhavi Kumari

Reviewed By : Phani Ponnapalli

Last Updated : May 07, 2023


The Capacitors in Series Calculator will assist you in determining the equivalent capacitance of individual capacitors. Simply enter the capacitor values and press the calculate button to get the total capacitance in no time.

Choose no. of Capacitors
Capacitor 1 (c1)
Capacitor 2 (c2)

Formula for Series Capacitance | Adding Capacitors in Series

The term "capacitor" refers to an electrical component that stores electrical charge. Depending on the future application, we can connect capacitors in series or parallel. Each capacitor's charge Q is the same when they're connected in series. The formula to determine the Series Capacitance is given by the equation 1 / C = 1 / C1 + 1 / C2 +....

Series Capacitance Derivation

Consider a series of capacitors that are not linked to a power source. The parallel plate capacitors, which work for both cylindrical and spherical capacitors, are one of the simplest methods to visualise this. Each element will not store any charge in this situation, and we will provide a voltage to the circuit at the end.

Check the first capacitor in the circuit; when electrons migrate closer to the power source, a portion of the capacitor becomes positively charged. This is +Q in the case of Equilibrium. The basic principle of capacitors is that the charge stored on both plates is the same and has the same sign. They will have a charge -Q at the second end of the element. Instead of being supplied by the voltage source, the charge is supplied by a nearby capacitor.

Assume the box is a black box, with the charge leaving the power source on one end, passing through the box, and returning on the other. Because the overall charge is conserved, the input and output values must be equal. Capacitor voltage V is the sum of the voltages of each capacitor, i.e. (V1, V2,...). We can get the voltage throughout the entire circuit using the basic capacitance formula, V = Q / C, and we can write it as V1 = Q / C1, V2 = Q / C2, and so on.

Adding capacitors in series is the sum of their voltages, i.e. V = V1 + V2 +... Q / C = Q / C1 + Q / C2 +....

We get the final equation for capacitance as; 1 / C = 1 / C1 + 1 / C2 +.... by dividing with Q on both sides. To put it another way, the inverse of total capacity is the sum of the inverses of specific capacitances.

How to use the Capacitors in Series Calculator?

The Capacitors in Series calculator can be used in the following way

  • Step 1: In the input field, simply enter the capacitor value and x for the unknown.
  • Step 2: To acquire the result, click the "Calculate the Unknown" button.
  • Step 3: Finally, in the output field, the total capacitance will be presented.

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.com to get quick answers by using this free tool.

Examples on Capacitors in Series

Question 1:Calculate the total capacitance of a series of 320nF and 245nF capacitors.

Solution:

Given:

The capacitance of the first capacitor C1 = 320nF

The capacitance of the second capacitor C2 = 245nF

We know how to calculate Series Capacitance using the formula; 1 / C = 1 / C1 + 1 / C2 +....

Put the known parameters in the above equation we get;

1 / C = 1 / 320nF + 1 / 245nF

C = 138.76nF

Hence, the total capacitance is 138.76nF.

Question 2: How do you calculate the total capacitance of a series of capacitors with values of 400nF and 345nF?

Solution:

Given:

The capacitance of the first capacitor C1 = 400nF

The capacitance of the second capacitor C2 = 345nF

We know how to calculate Series Capacitance using the formula; 1 / C = 1 / C1 + 1 / C2 +....

Put the known parameters in the above equation we get;

1 / C = 1 / 400nF + 1 / 345nF

C = 185.23nF

Hence, the total capacitance is 185.23nF.

FAQs on Capacitors in Series Calculator

1. Is it true that connecting capacitors in series increase voltage?

The total working voltage is increased by connecting capacitors in series, but the total capacitance is decreased. By connecting two capacitors in series, you can increase their overall working voltage.


2. When capacitors are connected in series, what happens?

When capacitances are connected in series, the overall capacitance is smaller than the sum of the individual capacitances in the series.


3. What is the purpose of connecting capacitors in series?

To boost the overall effective circuit voltage handling capacity of capacitors, connect them in series.


4. What is the capacitance calculation formula?

The formula C=Q/V is used to calculate capacitance by dividing electric charge by voltage.


5. Are capacitors used to boost voltage or current?

The voltage is not increased by the absence of a capacitor. However, they can be employed in a variety of circuits that produce output voltages that are higher than the input voltages. Capacitors are devices that store energy. They store energy on parallel plates as a static charge.