Skip to content
ENExplore Calculators

RLC Parallel Circuit Calculator

Work out rlc parallel circuit instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About RLC Parallel Circuit Calculator

A parallel RLC tank has maximum impedance at resonance, equal to R, because the inductive and capacitive susceptances cancel. Q = R sqrt(C/L) here — the reverse of the series case — and bandwidth is f0 divided by Q.

Formula

Parallel RLC

Y = sqrt(G^2 + (wC - 1/wL)^2); Z = 1/Y; Q = R sqrt(C/L); BW = f0 / Q

Worked example

With the default values below, RLC Parallel Circuit Calculator returns Impedance magnitude of 4,207.52. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Parallel resistance
4,700 Ω
Inductance
1 mH
Capacitance
100 nF
Frequency
16,000 Hz

Results

Impedance magnitude
4,207.52 Ω
Resonant frequency
15,915.49 Hz
Q factor
47.000
Bandwidth
338.63 Hz

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Parallel RLC
  3. 3Impedance magnitude= 4,207.52 Ω
  4. 4Resonant frequency= 15,915.49 Hz
  5. 5Q factor= 47.000
  6. 6Bandwidth= 338.63 Hz

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 or fees or charges into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 3 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 is the parallel Q formula inverted?

Because in parallel a larger resistance means less damping, whereas in series a larger resistance means more. Q therefore rises with R in parallel.

Where are parallel tanks used?

As the frequency-selective load in oscillators, RF amplifiers and traps, where a high impedance at one frequency is wanted.

Related Calculators

RLC Parallel Circuit Calculator | Calcrivo