How this calculator works
Series capacitors share charge, while their individual voltage drops add. The reciprocal sum gives the equivalent capacitance, which is lower than every member. Equal capacitance does not guarantee equal voltage in a real series bank with leakage.
Formula
1/Xeq = sum(1/Xi); Xmissing = 1/[1/Xtarget - sum(1/Xknown)].
Worked example
A 2 microfarad and 3 microfarad series pair gives 1.2 microfarads. Adding another 2 microfarad capacitor in series with 2 microfarads gives 1 microfarad.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the component count mean?
It counts known components. Missing-component mode adds one more, so a single known component is allowed.
Why is a requested total rejected?
A passive positive component must change the total in the direction allowed by the connection. Equality would require a zero or infinite ideal component.
Are real component tolerances included?
No. Enter measured values or calculate tolerance extremes separately. Ratings and parasitic effects require a separate check.