Calculator
Example Data Table
| Mode | Vin | R1 | R2 | R3 | C | L | Expected Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series circuit | 12 V | 100 ohm | 220 ohm | 330 ohm | 10 uF | 5 mH | Total current and voltage drops |
| Parallel circuit | 9 V | 100 ohm | 200 ohm | 300 ohm | 0 uF | 0 mH | Branch current comparison |
| Voltage divider | 5 V | 10000 ohm | 4700 ohm | 10000 ohm | 0 uF | 0 mH | Loaded output voltage |
Formula Used
Ohm law: V = I x R, I = V / R, and R = V / I.
Series resistance: Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3 + ...
Parallel resistance: 1 / Rtotal = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 + 1 / R3 + ...
Power: P = V x I, P = I² x R, and P = V² / R.
Voltage divider: Vout = Vin x Rlower / (Rupper + Rlower).
Current divider: Ibranch = Itotal x Rtotal / Rbranch.
Reactance: XL = 2πfL and XC = 1 / (2πfC).
Impedance estimate: |Z| = sqrt(R² + (XL - XC)²).
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the circuit mode that matches your network.
- Enter source voltage and source current when needed.
- Add positive resistor values in ohms.
- Enter frequency, capacitance, and inductance for reactive estimates.
- Choose the decimal precision for the final report.
- Press the calculate button to see results above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to save the calculation report.
About This Circuit Simulator
Simple Network Study
This circuit simulator gives a structured way to test common resistor networks. It does not replace a full laboratory tool. It focuses on transparent calculations. Each value is shown so the method is easy to review. You can study series paths, parallel branches, mixed networks, dividers, and simple reactive effects. The page also estimates power, voltage drop, branch current, impedance, phase, and time constants when enough data is entered.
Input Assumptions
Good circuit work starts with clear assumptions. Enter resistance in ohms. Enter source voltage as the main supply value. Add source current when you want current divider results without using voltage. The simulator treats empty resistor boxes as unused parts. It ignores zero or negative resistance. This keeps the result stable and avoids division errors.
Direct Current Method
For direct current circuits, the main idea is equivalent resistance. A series circuit adds resistance values. A parallel circuit adds conductance values first. A mixed circuit combines two series branches in parallel, then adds the remaining series parts. Once total resistance is known, Ohm's law gives total current. Voltage drop and power are then found for each part.
Reactive Checks
For alternating current checks, the tool uses frequency with optional capacitance and inductance. Capacitive reactance falls when frequency rises. Inductive reactance rises when frequency rises. The result gives estimated impedance magnitude and phase angle. These values help compare simple RLC behavior before a deeper simulation.
Divider Modes
The voltage divider mode is useful for sensor biasing and reference design. R1 is the upper resistor. R2 is the lower resistor. R3 can act as a load across R2. The output voltage is calculated across the effective lower section. This shows why loads can change divider output.
Reports and Safety
The current divider mode is useful for branch studies. It estimates current sharing in parallel resistors. Lower resistance usually carries more current. The report can be exported as CSV or PDF. Use those files for homework, lab notes, or design records. Always verify real circuits with proper ratings and safe equipment.
Advanced Options
Advanced options make the form flexible for many lessons. You can change precision, frequency, capacitance, and inductance. The calculated summary then updates after submission. This makes comparison simple. Try one value at a time. Small changes often reveal the strongest circuit relationship during study.
FAQs
Can this calculator simulate any circuit?
No. It handles ideal series, parallel, mixed, divider, and simple RLC estimates. Complex transistor, diode, and op amp circuits need a dedicated simulation engine.
What units should I use for resistors?
Enter every resistor in ohms. Convert kilo-ohms to ohms before entry. For example, 4.7 k ohm should be entered as 4700.
How does the mixed network mode work?
It treats R1 and R2 as one series branch. It treats R3 and R4 as another branch. Those branches are placed in parallel, then R5 and R6 are added in series.
Why does the voltage divider include R3?
R3 is treated as a load across R2. This shows loaded output voltage. A load can reduce output because it changes the lower effective resistance.
Can I use negative resistance values?
No. The calculator ignores zero and negative resistance values. This avoids invalid divisions and keeps normal passive circuit calculations stable.
What does the phase angle mean?
The phase angle estimates how voltage and current shift in a simple series RLC model. Positive values suggest inductive behavior. Negative values suggest capacitive behavior.
Are the CSV and PDF reports generated on the page?
Yes. The same submitted values are used to build downloadable CSV and PDF reports. They include calculated rows, formulas, values, units, and notes.
Is this safe for real circuit design?
Use it for learning and early estimates only. Real designs need tolerance checks, heat checks, safe wiring, verified meters, and correct component ratings.