Capacitors Series
Calculator
Results
- Total capacitance (µF)
- 5.997679
- Total capacitance (F)
- 0.000005
- Stored charge (µC)
- 143.944315
Electrical results
| Total capacitance (µF) | 5.997679 |
| Total capacitance (F) | 0.000005 |
| Stored charge (µC) | 143.944315 |
formula-map diagram
- Total capacitance (µF)
- 5.997679
- Total capacitance (F)
- 0.000005
- Stored charge (µC)
- 143.944315
Electrical relationship
Formula
1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3= 5.9976798143852
Note
This is a simplified model: it applies the textbook relationship to the numbers you entered and assumes ideal components, steady-state sinusoidal conditions, balanced loads and copper resistivity of 0.0172 Ω·mm²/m at 20 °C. It ignores component tolerances, temperature drift, skin effect, harmonics, inrush, transformer and battery losses, and it is not a substitute for the wiring code that applies where you are. Have any installation sized and verified by a licensed electrician or engineer.
More in Electrical engineering
See all →Frequently asked questions
How do you find the total capacitance of capacitors in series?+
Use 1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3 + ..., then invert the sum. This is the same reciprocal pattern as parallel resistors, and the result is always smaller than the smallest individual capacitor.
Why does series capacitance behave like parallel resistance?+
In series, capacitors share the same charge on their plates but split the total voltage, which mathematically produces the reciprocal-sum relationship. It's the mirror image of how resistors behave, since capacitance and resistance play opposite roles in circuit equations.
What voltage does each capacitor see in a series string?+
Since all capacitors carry the same charge, the one with the smallest capacitance ends up with the largest share of the voltage. This matters for voltage ratings: a small capacitor in a series stack can be overstressed even if the total applied voltage seems safe.
Is series capacitance ever used on purpose?+
Yes, putting capacitors in series is a common way to raise the effective voltage rating of a capacitor bank, since the applied voltage splits across each unit. The trade-off is a lower total capacitance.
What happens with two equal capacitors in series?+
The combined capacitance is exactly half the value of one capacitor, just like two equal resistors in parallel give half the resistance. It's a quick way to check your calculation.