Series Parallel Inductors Calculator

Analyze coil combinations with clean formulas and instant results. Visualize totals, reactance, and stored energy. Export results quickly for testing, documentation, and design review.

Example Data Table

Example Connection Inputs Frequency Equivalent Inductance Use Case
Example A Series 10 mH + 22 mH + 4.7 mH 1 kHz 36.7 mH Filter prototyping
Example B Parallel 10 mH || 22 mH || 4.7 mH 1 kHz 2.853 mH Equivalent branch reduction
Example C Series 220 µH + 330 µH 50 kHz 550 µH Switching circuit estimate

Formula Used

Series Inductors

L(eq) = L1 + L2 + L3 + ...

Series inductors add directly when mutual coupling is negligible. The total inductance increases, and the same current flows through every component.

Parallel Inductors

1 / L(eq) = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + 1/L3 + ...

Parallel inductors combine like resistors in parallel. The equivalent inductance becomes lower than the smallest branch inductance when branches are uncoupled.

Inductive Reactance

XL = 2πfL

Reactance shows how much an inductor opposes alternating current at a selected frequency. Higher frequency or larger inductance increases reactance.

Stored Energy

E = 0.5 × L × I²

Stored magnetic energy depends on equivalent inductance and current. This helps estimate transient behavior and energy capacity in practical designs.

This calculator assumes uncoupled inductors. Strong magnetic coupling changes the result and should be modeled separately.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Choose whether the inductors are connected in series or parallel.
  2. Enter operating frequency, applied current, load resistance, duty cycle, and a safety factor.
  3. Add each inductor with its value, unit, DCR, and current rating.
  4. Click Calculate to show the result above the form.
  5. Review the equivalent inductance, reactance, stored energy, DCR, and current limit status.
  6. Use the CSV button for spreadsheet export or the PDF button for a print-ready save.

FAQs

1. When should I use series inductors?

Use series inductors when you need a larger total inductance and the same current passes through each coil. This is common in filtering, prototyping, and replacement analysis.

2. When should I use parallel inductors?

Use parallel inductors when you want a lower equivalent inductance or need current sharing across branches. Parallel networks are useful in branch simplification and some power designs.

3. Does this calculator include mutual coupling?

No. It assumes inductors are uncoupled. If coils are magnetically close or wound on the same core, mutual inductance can change the total value significantly.

4. Why is frequency included?

Frequency is used to compute inductive reactance. Equivalent inductance itself does not change with frequency in this simplified model, but AC opposition does.

5. What does DCR mean here?

DCR means direct current resistance. It helps estimate conduction loss, branch behavior, and time constant. Lower DCR usually reduces resistive heating.

6. How is current limit status estimated?

The tool compares the applied current, adjusted by safety factor, against the lowest entered current rating. It is a quick screening check, not a thermal certification.

7. Can I use µH, mH, and H together?

Yes. The calculator converts all entries into henries internally, then displays the result in a practical unit automatically.

8. What does the time constant show?

Time constant is estimated as L/R using the entered load resistance. It helps describe how current changes in a simple RL approximation.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.