Inductors in Parallel Calculator
Calculate the equivalent inductance when multiple inductors are connected in parallel. Add as many inductors as needed.
About Inductors in Parallel
When inductors are connected in parallel, the equivalent inductance is calculated using the formula:
This calculator handles the unit conversions automatically, allowing you to mix units (H, mH, μH) across different inductors.
Keyboard shortcuts: Enter to calculate, Ctrl+Enter to add inductor, Esc to reset
Understanding Inductors in Parallel
When inductors are connected in parallel, they share the same voltage but divide the current between them, even though they share the same current. This configuration is useful for obtaining specific inductance values and current capacities in electronic circuits.
- All parallel inductors have the same voltage across their terminals
- Current divides among inductors based on their inductance values.
- Lower inductance paths deliver more current
Formula for Parallel Inductors
For multiple inductors in parallel:
![\[ \frac{1}{L_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{L_1} + \frac{1}{L_2} + \frac{1}{L_3} + \ldots + \frac{1}{L_n} \]](https://diyprojectslabs.com/wp-content/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-010c8f58d1b0b67cf978e9dd342c81c3_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
For two inductors
![\[ L_{\text{total}} = \frac{L_1 \times L_2}{L_1 + L_2} \]](https://diyprojectslabs.com/wp-content/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-7596f6dd93ca7601ed34497a91223fb8_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
How Parallel Inductors Work
- Voltage Relationship: Voltage is equal across all parallel inductors.
- Current Division: Total current splits directly proportional to inductance values.
- Energy Storage: Each inductor stores energy in its magnetic field separately.
Examples
Example 1: Three Inductors in Parallel
Given: 
, 
, 
Step 1: Apply the formula
![\[ \frac{1}{L_{\text{total}}} = \frac{1}{30 \text{ mH}} + \frac{1}{45 \text{ mH}} + \frac{1}{90 \text{ mH}} \]](https://diyprojectslabs.com/wp-content/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-906320f067da5f8a3742354a31d558c3_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
Step 2: Calculate
![\[ \frac{1}{L_{\text{total}}} = 0.0333 + 0.0222 + 0.0111 = 0.0666 \text{ mH}^{-1} \]](https://diyprojectslabs.com/wp-content/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-3c175160ed73c0c78e91a8fd175cf5d9_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
Step 3: Find total inductance
![\[ L_{\text{total}} = \frac{1}{0.0666} \approx 15 \text{ mH} \]](https://diyprojectslabs.com/wp-content/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-6187885378cf2ff90921d1462c5e4562_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
Result: The equivalent inductance (15 mH) is less than the smallest individual inductor (30 mH).
Example 2: Two Inductors in Parallel
Given: 
, 
Using the simplified formula:
![\[ L_{\text{total}} = \frac{25 \text{ μH} \times 75 \text{ μH}}{25 \text{ μH} + 75 \text{ μH}} = \frac{1875}{100} = 18.75 \text{ μH} \]](https://diyprojectslabs.com/wp-content/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-56a1f4ef0bbd1d711d56f25822c22e12_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
Result: The equivalent inductance (18.75 μH) is less than the smallest individual inductor (25 μH).
Using a Parallel Inductor Calculator
- Enter each inductor value
- Select the appropriate unit (H, mH, or μH)
- Calculate to get the total equivalent inductance
