Parallel & Series Resistor Calculator

Add up resistors in series, or combine them in parallel. Enter any number of values and get both totals at once.

Parallel total
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Series total
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Series resistance is simply the sum. Parallel resistance uses 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + … and is always smaller than the smallest resistor. Two equal resistors in parallel give half their value.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add resistors in series and parallel?

In series, total resistance is just the sum of all values. In parallel, you add the reciprocals and invert: 1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + … This tool computes both from your list at once.

Why is the parallel total smaller than any single resistor?

Adding a parallel path gives the current another route, which lowers overall resistance. The result is always less than the smallest resistor in the group; two equal resistors in parallel give exactly half.

Can I mix series and parallel?

This tool handles a single group at a time. For a mixed network, reduce it step by step: combine each parallel cluster into one value, then add the series sections.