How this calculator works
Parallel branches share voltage, so their currents divide in proportion to admittance. Resistors split current inversely with resistance. At one sinusoidal frequency, ideal uncoupled inductors split inversely with inductance, while capacitors split directly with capacitance. All branches must be the same ideal type for this real-valued sharing model; mixed RLC branches require complex phasor analysis.
Formula
Ii = Itotal wi/sum(wj). Resistors: wi = 1/Ri. Inductors: wi = 1/Li. Capacitors: wi = Ci.
Worked example
A 3 A current divides into 2 A through 10 ohms and 1 A through 20 ohms; the equivalent resistance is 6.666667 ohms. A 4 A AC current through parallel 1 and 3 microfarad capacitors divides into 1 and 3 A.
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Frequently asked questions
Why do larger capacitors take more current?
At a fixed sinusoidal voltage and frequency, capacitor admittance is proportional to capacitance.
Does this handle coupled coils?
No. Mutual inductance changes the branch equations. Use the inductive mode only when coupling is negligible.
Why are the lists labelled with SI units?
List inputs hold several values in one field. Enter every item in the stated unit; for example 1 microfarad is 0.000001 F.