Inductors In Parallel Calculator

Work out inductors in parallel instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Inductors In Parallel Calculator

Uncoupled inductors in parallel combine like parallel resistors: 1/Ltotal = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + 1/L3. Current divides in inverse proportion to inductance, so the smallest inductor carries the most current — the point that catches people out when paralleling chokes for higher current rating.

Formula

Parallel inductance

1/Ltotal = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + 1/L3; branch current is inversely proportional to L

Worked example

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

Inputs used

Inductor 1: 100 µH
Inductor 2: 220 µH
Inductor 3: 470 µH
Total current: 3 A

Results

Total inductance: 59.98 µH
Current in L1: 1.7993 A
Energy stored: 269.90 µJ
Smallest branch inductance: 100.00 µH

Step by step

1Values used
2Parallel inductance
3Total inductance= 59.98 µH
4Current in L1= 1.7993 A
5Energy stored= 269.90 µJ
6Smallest branch inductance= 100.00 µH

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 4 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

Can I parallel inductors to get more current rating?

Only with care. Tolerance differences make one carry more current, so it saturates first. Matched parts or a single larger inductor is safer.

Does coupling matter here too?

Yes, and it complicates the result considerably. This calculation assumes the coils do not share flux.