Current Divider Calculator
Work with resistive branches in parallel. The result shows the current in each branch and the equivalent resistance of the network.
Enter a valid total current and at least one resistance greater than zero.
Summary--
Free tool
Current Divider Calculator
Enter the total current and the resistance of each branch. The calculator estimates the current through each parallel path and the overall equivalent resistance.
Tools
Calculate the current taken by each branch of your circuit
Add the resistances of the parallel branches and get the current split from the total current supplied to the resistive network.
What the current divider does
In a resistive network in parallel, current splits inversely to each resistance.
Useful relations
- 1 / Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... + 1/Rn
- In = Itotal x (Req / Rn)
Quick tips
- The lower the resistance of a branch, the more current it draws.
- The sum of the branch currents should match the total current.
- This model is ideal for purely resistive branches with no extra loads.
Quick guide
How to read a current divider without losing sight of the real circuit
A current divider is especially useful when you compare parallel branches, estimate current draw or verify whether a resistive network is splitting current the way you expected during prototyping.
Quick read
- The branch with the lowest resistance draws the most current.
- The equivalent resistance is always lower than the smallest branch resistance.
- The sum of the branch currents must equal the total current.
- It is worth checking the result against real component tolerances.
Parallel equivalent
The total conductance is obtained by summing the conductance of each branch.
1 / Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... + 1/RnCurrent per branch
The current in each branch depends on the relative weight of each resistance.
In = Itotal x (Req / Rn)More tools
More useful electronics calculators
If you are reviewing components or sizing a circuit, here are other related tools so you can keep working without leaving the RobotUNO environment.
Resistor calculatorIdentify color bands and calculate series or parallel equivalents.
Ohm's law calculatorCalculate voltage, current and resistance in one place.
Voltage divider calculatorGet the output voltage when sizing resistors in series.
Current divider calculatorCheck how current splits across parallel branches.
Series and parallel capacitor calculatorCalculate equivalent capacitance with a clearer interface.
Op-amp gain calculatorSize the feedback network for inverting and non-inverting configurations.
555 timer calculatorCalculate charge and discharge times for NE555 designs.
RC/RL filter bandwidth calculatorCheck cutoff frequency or bandwidth for the selected filter.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
A short reference for the usual questions when you split current across parallel resistive branches.
What does this tool calculate?
It calculates the current through each parallel branch from the total current and the entered resistances.
Can I add several branches?
Yes. You can create as many resistive branches as you need and the calculator will update the split for all of them.
Does it work for non-resistive loads?
As a quick approximation it can help, but the real split changes when the impedance is not purely resistive.
Is the calculator free?
Yes. You can use it online without installing anything.
Next step
Need help with the electronic design of your project?
If you are developing a product and need support with electronics, PCBs, firmware or technical validation, we can review your case and point you in the right direction.