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Parallel Capacitance Calculator

Calculate two capacitors in parallel with mixed F, mF, µF, nF or pF inputs. See equivalent capacitance and unit conversions.

Ideal component relationshipsUnits and assumptions explained below
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Circuit workbench

Keep RMS, peak and DC values distinct.

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Your result

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Use the Calculate button to see your result.

Review the method below for assumptions and conventions.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter the first capacitance and select the unit printed on that component.
  2. Enter the second capacitance and its unit; the two units can differ.
  3. Calculate to see the total in farads, microfarads, nanofarads and picofarads.

Input reference and sample values

Use the units and choices shown for each field. Sample values are provided for practice, not as recommendations.

InputFormat and unitsSample
First capacitanceNumeric value. Must be greater than zero.100
First capacitance unitChoose F — farads / mF — millifarads / µF — microfarads / nF — nanofarads / pF — picofarads.µF — microfarads
Second capacitanceNumeric value. Must be greater than zero.200000
Second capacitance unitChoose F — farads / mF — millifarads / µF — microfarads / nF — nanofarads / pF — picofarads.nF — nanofarads

Result for these sample inputs

0.0003 F
First capacitance (F)
0.0001
Second capacitance (F)
0.0002
Total (µF)
300
Total (nF)
300000
Total (pF)
300000000

Ideal parallel capacitances add. This does not increase the permitted voltage or model ESR, leakage or component tolerances.

Select Try the example in the form to load these values and calculate them again. This replaces the current form inputs. Compare the result with the method and worked explanation below.

The method, explained

Convert each capacitance to farads, then add: equivalent capacitance = C1 + C2.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

100 µF plus 200,000 nF: convert to 0.0001 F and 0.0002 F, then add to get 0.0003 F. This equals 300 µF, 300,000 nF or 300,000,000 pF.

Understanding your result

Capacitance adds in parallel because the stored charges add at a shared voltage. The result is not a voltage rating: combining capacitors in parallel does not add their voltage limits. Component tolerance, leakage and resistance are outside this ideal model.

What to keep in mind

Ideal-component calculation for study and estimation. It does not select safe wiring, protective devices or component ratings for an installation.

Common questions

Can I mix microfarads and nanofarads?

Yes. Choose the matching unit for each input. One microfarad equals 1,000 nanofarads. The calculator converts both to farads before adding.

Can I combine more than two capacitors?

For an ideal parallel network, add every capacitance. Combine the first two here, then use their total as an input with the next capacitor, selecting the correct unit.

Do the voltage ratings add?

No. Parallel capacitors share a voltage. This calculation does not determine a safe voltage rating, leakage, ESR or tolerance.

Methodology maintained by ClarityKit. How these tools are built and checked.