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Capacitors In Series Calculator

Work out capacitors in series instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Capacitors In Series Calculator

Capacitors in series behave like resistors in parallel: 1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3. Every capacitor carries the same charge, so the smallest capacitance takes the largest share of the voltage — which is why series strings need balancing resistors.

Formula

Series capacitance

1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3; each capacitor holds the same charge Q = Ctotal x V

Worked example

With the default values below, Capacitors In Series Calculator returns Total capacitance of 59.98. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Capacitor 1
100 µF
Capacitor 2
220 µF
Capacitor 3
470 µF
Applied voltage
50 V

Results

Total capacitance
59.98 µF
Voltage across C1
29.99 V
Charge on the string
2,998.84 µC
Energy stored
74.97 mJ

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Series capacitance
  3. 3Total capacitance= 59.98 µF
  4. 4Voltage across C1= 29.99 V
  5. 5Charge on the string= 2,998.84 µC
  6. 6Energy stored= 74.97 mJ

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Electrical results are planning estimates only. Verify against the applicable wiring rules (IEC 60364, BS 7671, NEC or local code) and have all installation work designed and checked by a qualified electrician.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Electrical results are planning estimates only. Verify against the applicable wiring rules (IEC 60364, BS 7671, NEC or local code) and have all installation work designed and checked by a qualified electrician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why put capacitors in series at all?

To raise the working voltage above what a single part can withstand, common in high-voltage DC links and photoflash circuits.

Why are balancing resistors needed?

Leakage currents differ between parts, so without a resistor across each one the voltage drifts and the weakest capacitor eventually sees too much.

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