Electrical

Parallel Plate Capacitance Calculator

Estimate capacitance for two large parallel plates with a dielectric.

Ideal component relationshipsUnits and assumptions explained below
Circuit workbench
Circuit workbench

Keep RMS, peak and DC values distinct.

See the method

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Your circuit result

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 plate area, plate separation, relative permittivity.
  2. Select Calculate to view the result.
  3. Check the method and assumptions below before using the result.

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
Plate areaNumeric value. Unit: m². Must be greater than zero.0.01
Plate separationNumeric value. Unit: m. Must be greater than zero.0.001
Relative permittivityNumeric value. Must be greater than zero.1

Result for these sample inputs

8.85418781e-11 F

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

Capacitance = ε0 × relative permittivity × area/gap; ε0 ≈ 8.8541878128 × 10⁻¹² F/m.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Using plate area = 0.01 m², plate separation = 0.001 m, relative permittivity = 1, the result is 8.85418781e-11 F. Change these example inputs to match your task; use the method above to check each step.

What to keep in mind

Neglects edge fields. Dielectric properties may depend on frequency and temperature. Ideal-component calculation for study and estimation. It does not select safe wiring, protective devices or component ratings for an installation.

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