Capacitors in Series Calculator

Calculate the total equivalent capacitance of capacitors connected in series.

Capacitor 1 (C1)

µF

Capacitor 2 (C2)

µF

Capacitor 3 (C3, optional)

µF

Capacitor 4 (C4, optional)

µF

What this calculates

When capacitors are connected in series, their combined (equivalent) capacitance is always smaller than the smallest individual capacitor, unlike resistors in series which simply add.

The formula

For capacitors in series, the reciprocals add: 1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3 + … This calculator supports up to four capacitors; leave unused fields at zero.

This calculator is for general electronics education and circuit design reference.

Last reviewed August 2026