Parallel Current Calculator
Enter the values of individual branch of currents, Ix(A) to determine the value of total current in parallel circuit, Ip(A).
Parallel Current Formula:
Parallel current refers to the flow of electric charge through components connected in a parallel circuit, where the voltage across each component is the same, but the total current is the sum of the currents through each parallel branch.
In a parallel circuit, the total current supplied by the source is divided among the parallel branches based on the resistance or impedance of each branch.
Current Division: In a parallel circuit, the current divides among the branches according to their resistance, with lower resistance branches carrying more current.
Voltage Consistency: The voltage across all components in a parallel circuit is the same, regardless of the current through each branch.
Parallel circuits are essential for distributing power and signal consistently and reliably across multiple components.
In a parallel lighting system, each bulb operates independently. If one bulb burns out, the others continue to function, which is not the case in series lighting systems.
The total current in parallel circuit, Ip(A) in amperes equals the sum of individual branch of currents, Ix(A).
Total current in parallel circuit, Ip(A) = Ix(A)
Ip(A) = parallel current in amperes, A.
Ix(A) = individual branch of current in amperes, A.
Parallel Current Calculation:
- Calculate the total current for a parallel circuit with three branches having currents of 2 A, 3 A, and 4 A respectively.
Given: I1(A) = 2A, I2(A) = 3A, I3(A) = 4A.
Total current in parallel circuit, Ip(A) = Ix(A)
Ip(A) = I1(A) + I2(A) + I3(A)
Ip(A) = 2 + 3 + 4
Ip(A) = 9A.
- Suppose the total current in a parallel circuit is 10 A, and there are three branches with currents of 2 A and 4 A in the first two branches. Calculate the current in the third branch.
Given: I1(A) = 2A, I2(A) = 4A, Ip(A) = 10A.
Total current in parallel circuit, Ip(A) = Ix(A)
I3(A) = Ip(A) – I1(A) + I2(A)
I3(A) = 10 – 2 + 4
I3(A) = 10 – 6
I3(A) = 4A.