Why does series connection decrease total capacitance?

Each capacitor's plates are separated by the others in the chain, effectively increasing the total plate separation. A larger gap stores less charge for the same voltage, so capacitance falls below the smallest individual value.

What is the formula for two capacitors in series?

For two capacitors the reciprocal formula simplifies to C_total = (C1 × C2) / (C1 + C2), sometimes called the "product over sum" shortcut. For three or more, you must use the full reciprocal sum.

Is the charge the same on all capacitors in series?

Yes. In a series circuit the same charge Q builds on every capacitor because the inner plates form isolated segments. Each capacitor stores Q = C_total × V_supply regardless of its individual capacitance.

Can I mix capacitor units in this calculator?

Yes. Select pF, nF, µF, mF, or F independently for each row. The calculator converts all values to farads internally before computing.

What happens with only one capacitor?

With a single capacitor the series total equals that capacitor's value — a valid edge case the calculator handles.

Capacitors in Series Calculator

Name: Capacitors in Series Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter 2–8 capacitor values with units to compute total series capacitance using 1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + …

Series Capacitors

Enter each capacitor value and unit. The total is always less than the smallest individual capacitor.

Supply Voltage (optional)

If provided, charge Q stored on each capacitor is shown.

Result

Enter at least two capacitors and click Calculate.

Formula Breakdown

Fill in the capacitors above to see the substituted formula.

Key Formulas

1/C_t = Σ 1/Cᵢ General series formula
C_t = (C1×C2)/(C1+C2) Two-capacitor shortcut
Q = C_t × V Charge at supply voltage V

Summary

Enter 2–8 capacitor values with units to compute total series capacitance using 1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + …

How it works

Enter at least two capacitor values; choose the unit (pF, nF, µF, mF, or F) for each.
Click "Add Capacitor" to include up to 8 capacitors in the series circuit.
Click Calculate to apply 1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + … and display the result.
Optionally enter a supply voltage to see charge Q = C_total × V stored on each capacitor.
Use Remove to delete any capacitor row, or Reset to start over.

Use cases

Reduce effective capacitance in a circuit without changing physical components.
Check that a series combination meets a capacitance budget in RF filter design.
Verify voltage sharing across series capacitors in high-voltage power supplies.
Solve textbook and exam problems involving series capacitor networks.
Prototype capacitor combinations before ordering custom values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-10 · Reviewed by Nham Vu