Parallel Resistor Calculator

Parallel Resistors

Use this resistor calculator, parallel resistance, resistance calculation, parallel circuit, total resistance calculator for quick, clear estimates. Try a tiny example to see the impact of each input.

Q: How do you calculate total resistance in a parallel circuit?
To calculate the total resistance of resistors in a parallel circuit, you use the formula: 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + … where R1, R2, R3, etc., are the individual resistances. For just two resistors in parallel, a simplified formula is Rtotal = (R1 R2) / (R1 + R2).

What is a resistor calculator used for?
A resistor calculator is a tool used to determine the total equivalent resistance of resistors arranged in series, parallel, or a combination of both. It can also be used to find the value of an unknown resistor based on its color bands or to calculate current, voltage, or power in a circuit.

What is the formula for two resistors in parallel?
The formula for two resistors in parallel is Rtotal = (R1 R2) / (R1 + R2), where R1 and R2 are the resistance values of the two individual resistors.

What is the difference between series and parallel resistance?
In a series circuit, resistors are connected end-to-end, so the current flows through each resistor sequentially, and the total resistance is the sum of individual resistances. In a parallel circuit, resistors are connected across the same two points, meaning the voltage across each resistor is the same, and the total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance because the current has multiple paths to flow.