Parallel Circuit Calculator

The Parallel Circuit Calculator allows users to calculate total resistance, total current, current through individual resistors, power in resistors, and total power in circuits with up to three resistors connected in parallel, based on the input voltage and resistance values.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Parallel Circuit Calculator

This guide will walk you through using the Parallel Circuit Calculator step by step to calculate the total resistance, current, and power in a parallel circuit.

Step 1: Input the Voltage

Input Field:

  • Label: Voltage (V)
  • Instructions: Enter the voltage value (in volts) supplied to the circuit. This value is required and should be a number greater than or equal to 0.

Step 2: Input the Resistance Values

Input Fields:

  • Resistance 1 (R1)
    • Instructions: Enter the resistance value for R1 (in ohms). This field is required and should be a number greater than or equal to 0.
  • Resistance 2 (R2)
    • Instructions: Enter the resistance value for R2 (in ohms). This field is required and should be a number greater than or equal to 0.
  • Resistance 3 (R3) (Optional)
    • Instructions: If there is a third resistor in the circuit, enter the resistance value for R3 (in ohms). This field is optional but if provided, should be a number greater than or equal to 0.

Step 3: Calculate Total Resistance

The calculator uses the formula to compute the total resistance in the parallel circuit:

Total Resistance = 1 / (1/R1 + 1/R2 + (R3 > 0 ? 1/R3 : 0))

Step 4: Calculate Total Current

After determining the total resistance, the calculator computes the total current flowing through the circuit using the formula:

Total Current = Voltage / Total Resistance

Step 5: Calculate Current through Each Resistor

The calculator then determines the current through each resistor with the following formulas:

  • Current through R1 = Voltage / R1
  • Current through R2 = Voltage / R2
  • Current through R3 = R3 > 0 ? Voltage / R3 : 0

Step 6: Calculate Power in Each Resistor

The calculator also computes the power dissipated in each resistor with the following formulas:

  • Power in R1 = Voltage2 / R1
  • Power in R2 = Voltage2 / R2
  • Power in R3 = R3 > 0 ? Voltage2 / R3 : 0

Step 7: Calculate Total Power

Finally, the calculator determines the total power in the circuit using the formula:

Total Power = Voltage * Total Current

Once all the input values are entered, the calculator will automatically calculate and display the results in the specified format. These results will show the total resistance, current through each resistor, power in each resistor, total current, and total power, complete with appropriate units and decimal formatting for clarity.