Series Capacitance Calculator

The Series Capacitance Calculator computes series capacitance from the relation total series capacitance = 1 / (1 / C1 + 1 / C2). It takes 2 inputs (capacitor 1 in microfarads, capacitor 2 in microfarads) and returns the series capacitance. Because this is a pure mathematical or physical formula rather than a jurisdiction-specific rule, the result never changes over time: the same inputs always produce the same answer, so you can rely on it whether you are checking homework, sizing a design, or sanity-checking another tool. Enter your values in the fields below and the result updates instantly; you can also share a permalink that pre-fills the exact calculation, which is useful for teaching, reports, or collaboration. For example, with capacitor 1 = 20 microfarads, capacitor 2 = 60 microfarads, the series capacitance works out to 15, and the worked example further down the page shows every step so you can follow the arithmetic and reproduce it by hand. The method is the standard form documented by NIST: SI units, and the figure above each result carries the date it was last verified. This tool is general information and is not a substitute for professional engineering, medical, financial, or scientific advice; always check critical results against the primary source and your own judgement.

With Capacitor 1 = 20 microfarads, Capacitor 2 = 60 microfarads, the result is 15.

Formula: total series capacitance = 1 / (1 / C1 + 1 / C2). Source: NIST: SI units, as at 2026-06-23.

Series Capacitance15

Applies to: any numeric inputs. Method source: NIST: SI units, checked 2026-06-23.

The formula

total series capacitance = 1 / (1 / C1 + 1 / C2)

Worked example

With Capacitor 1 = 20 microfarads, Capacitor 2 = 60 microfarads:

  1. Reciprocal sum = 1/20 + 1/60 = 0.06666666666666667
  2. Total = 1 / 0.06666666666666667 = 15 microfarads
  3. Series Capacitance = 15

This worked example is one of the automated golden-value tests this calculator must pass before it can publish.

What this assumes

  • Inputs are real numbers in the units shown.
  • The result is the exact value of total series capacitance = 1 / (1 / C1 + 1 / C2); general information, not professional advice.

Frequently asked questions

What formula does this use?

total series capacitance = 1 / (1 / C1 + 1 / C2), the standard form documented by NIST: SI units.

Does the result ever change over time?

No. This is a pure formula with no external rate, so the same inputs always give the same result.

Official sources and verification

Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 2026-06-23. See our methodology. General information, not professional advice.