Parallel Inductance

1/Ltotal = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + ... + 1/Ln

Quick answer

This calculator solves 1/Ltotal = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + ... + 1/Ln for 1/Ltotal. With Inductor Values 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH, the result is 6 × 10⁻⁵.

Calculator

Result
—

Formula

1/Ltotal = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + ... + 1/Ln

Description

Parallel inductors combine using the reciprocal formula, identical to how parallel resistors combine. The total inductance is always less than the smallest individual inductor. This occurs because parallel paths allow current to distribute across multiple inductors, reducing the total magnetic energy stored for a given total current. As with series inductance, this formula assumes no mutual coupling between inductors. Parallel inductors are less common in practice than series, but are used in current sharing applications and sometimes in filter designs.

Variables

  • Ltotal — Total equivalent inductance (H)
  • L1, L2, ... Ln — Individual inductor values (H)

Practical Notes

Parallel inductors can share DC current load, which is useful when a single inductor cannot handle the required current without saturating. Ensure the inductors are from the same manufacturing batch or have matched values to prevent current imbalance.

Symbols and units

Symbol Meaning Default unit Accepted units
values Inductor Values µH nH, µH, mH, H

Step by step

  1. 1. What you know: Inductor Values 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH
  2. 2. The relation: 1/Ltotal = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + ... + 1/Ln
  3. 3. Substitute: values = 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH
  4. 4. Result: 1/Ltotal = 6 × 10⁻⁵

Totals for common combinations

Components Values Total
2 100 µH + 100 µH 50 µH
2 100 µH + 0.22 mH 68.75 µH
2 100 µH + 1 mH 90.91 µH
3 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH 33.33 µH
3 100 µH + 0.22 mH + 0.47 mH 59.98 µH
4 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH 25 µH
4 100 µH + 0.22 mH + 0.47 mH + 1 mH 56.58 µH
5 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH 20 µH

Worked examples

Minimum range

Given: Inductor Values 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH

Result: 1/Ltotal = 6 × 10⁻⁵

Embed this calculator

Paste this into any page. It keeps working when this page updates, and credits the source.

<iframe src="https://vbatpower.com/embed/parallel-inductance/" width="100%" height="460" style="border:1px solid #1f2a37;border-radius:12px" loading="lazy" title="Parallel Inductance"></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vbatpower.com/formulas/parallel-inductance/">Parallel Inductance</a> Calculator by vbatpower.com</p>

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate Parallel Inductance?

Use 1/Ltotal = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + ... + 1/Ln. With Inductor Values 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH, 1/Ltotal works out to 6 × 10⁻⁵.

What is the formula for Parallel Inductance?

The formula is 1/Ltotal = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + ... + 1/Ln. Parallel inductors combine using the reciprocal formula, identical to how parallel resistors combine.

Related Concepts

All Inductors formulas →
Inductive Reactance RL Time Constant Inductor Energy Series Inductance Parallel Inductance Inductor Quality Factor Inductor Peak Current Check Mutual Inductance

Need more features?

Save calculations, import telemetry data, simulate battery discharge, and collaborate with your team.

Try the App