Series Resistance
Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ... + Rn
Quick answer
This calculator solves Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ... + Rn for Rtotal. With Resistor Values 0.47 kΩ, 1.03 kΩ, 2.21 kΩ, the result is 3.71 kΩ.
Calculator
Formula
Description
Resistors connected in series carry the same current, and their resistances add directly to give the total resistance. The total is always greater than any individual resistor in the chain. This is because each resistor adds its own voltage drop, and by Kirchhoff's Voltage Law the sum of all drops equals the source voltage. Series resistance is commonly used for voltage dropping, current limiting, and creating precise resistance values not available as single standard components.
Variables
- Rtotal — Total equivalent resistance (Ω)
- R1, R2, ... Rn — Individual resistor values (Ω)
Practical Notes
Series connections are also used for voltage sensing (current shunt resistors) and for distributing power dissipation across multiple components when a single resistor's wattage rating is insufficient.
Symbols and units
| Symbol | Meaning | Default unit | Accepted units |
|---|---|---|---|
| values | Resistor Values | Ω | mΩ, Ω, kΩ, MΩ |
Step by step
- 1. What you know: Resistor Values 0.47 kΩ, 1.03 kΩ, 2.21 kΩ
- 2. The relation: Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ... + Rn
- 3. Substitute: values = 0.47 kΩ, 1.03 kΩ, 2.21 kΩ
- 4. Result: Rtotal = 3.71 kΩ
Totals for common combinations
| Components | Values | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ | 0.94 kΩ |
| 2 | 0.47 kΩ + 1.03 kΩ | 1.5 kΩ |
| 2 | 0.47 kΩ + 4.7 kΩ | 5.17 kΩ |
| 3 | 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ | 1.41 kΩ |
| 3 | 0.47 kΩ + 1.03 kΩ + 2.21 kΩ | 3.71 kΩ |
| 4 | 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ | 1.88 kΩ |
| 4 | 0.47 kΩ + 1.03 kΩ + 2.21 kΩ + 4.7 kΩ | 8.41 kΩ |
| 5 | 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ + 0.47 kΩ | 2.35 kΩ |
Worked examples
Minimum range
Given: Resistor Values 0.47 kΩ, 1.03 kΩ, 2.21 kΩ
Result: Rtotal = 3.71 kΩ
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<p><a href="https://vbatpower.com/formulas/series-resistance/">Series Resistance</a> Calculator by vbatpower.com</p>Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate Series Resistance?
Use Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ... + Rn. With Resistor Values 0.47 kΩ, 1.03 kΩ, 2.21 kΩ, Rtotal works out to 3.71 kΩ.
What is the formula for Series Resistance?
The formula is Rtotal = R1 + R2 + ... + Rn. Resistors connected in series carry the same current, and their resistances add directly to give the total resistance.
Related Concepts
All Resistors formulas →Need more features?
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