Engineering
Intermediate

Resistors in Parallel

Total resistance of resistors in parallel.

Formula

1Req=1R1+1R2+⋯\frac{1}{R_{eq}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \cdots

Variables

R_iIndividual resistances

Example

Two 4 Ω resistors in parallel give 2 Ω.

Did You Know?

Adding a parallel resistor lowers total resistance — more lanes for the current to flow.

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