Series Inductance
Ltotal = L1 + L2 + ... + Ln
Quick answer
This calculator solves Ltotal = L1 + L2 + ... + Ln for Ltotal. With Inductor Values 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH, the result is 0.79 mH.
Calculator
Formula
Description
Inductors in series add directly, behaving like resistors in series. The total inductance equals the sum of individual inductances because the same current flows through each inductor and their magnetic fields add together. This simple addition assumes no mutual coupling between the inductors, meaning they are physically separated or oriented so their magnetic fields do not interact. If mutual inductance M exists between two inductors, the total becomes L1 + L2 + 2M (for aiding fields) or L1 + L2 - 2M (for opposing fields).
Variables
- Ltotal — Total equivalent inductance (H)
- L1, L2, ... Ln — Individual inductor values (H)
Practical Notes
In practice, place series inductors perpendicular to each other on a PCB to minimize mutual coupling. Toroidal inductors have self-contained magnetic fields and can be placed closer together without significant coupling.
Symbols and units
| Symbol | Meaning | Default unit | Accepted units |
|---|---|---|---|
| values | Inductor Values | µH | nH, µH, mH, H |
Step by step
- 1. What you know: Inductor Values 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH
- 2. The relation: Ltotal = L1 + L2 + ... + Ln
- 3. Substitute: values = 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH
- 4. Result: Ltotal = 0.79 mH
Totals for common combinations
| Components | Values | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 100 µH + 100 µH | 0.2 mH |
| 2 | 100 µH + 0.22 mH | 0.32 mH |
| 2 | 100 µH + 1 mH | 1.1 mH |
| 3 | 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH | 0.3 mH |
| 3 | 100 µH + 0.22 mH + 0.47 mH | 0.79 mH |
| 4 | 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH | 0.4 mH |
| 4 | 100 µH + 0.22 mH + 0.47 mH + 1 mH | 1.79 mH |
| 5 | 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH + 100 µH | 0.5 mH |
Worked examples
Minimum range
Given: Inductor Values 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH
Result: Ltotal = 0.79 mH
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<p><a href="https://vbatpower.com/formulas/series-inductance/">Series Inductance</a> Calculator by vbatpower.com</p>Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate Series Inductance?
Use Ltotal = L1 + L2 + ... + Ln. With Inductor Values 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH, Ltotal works out to 0.79 mH.
How to calculate inductance with a 8mh and 4mh in series?
Use Ltotal = L1 + L2 + ... + Ln. With Inductor Values 100 µH, 0.22 mH, 0.47 mH, Ltotal works out to 0.79 mH.
What is the formula for Series Inductance?
The formula is Ltotal = L1 + L2 + ... + Ln. Inductors in series add directly, behaving like resistors in series.
Related Concepts
All Inductors formulas →Need more features?
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