Parallel Inductors Calculator

Inductors in Parallel

Parallel inductor branches share the same voltage and carry separate currents. Equivalent inductance is found from reciprocal sums, similar to parallel resistors.

Formula

$$\frac{1}{L_{eq}} = \frac{1}{L_1} + \frac{1}{L_2} + \frac{1}{L_3} + \cdots$$

Equivalent inductance is always less than the smallest branch value when all branches are positive.

Practical Considerations

Real inductors include winding resistance and coupling. This calculator assumes ideal, uncoupled branches. For coupled windings, mutual inductance changes the result.

Related tools: Parallel Resistor Calculator and Impedance Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is parallel inductance smaller than any single branch?

Multiple paths carry current in parallel, reducing the net opposition to current change.

What if one inductor value is zero?

An ideal zero-henry branch would dominate and make equivalent inductance zero. Remove shorted branches from the model.

Does mutual inductance affect parallel coils?

Yes. Coupled inductors need mutual-inductance analysis instead of simple reciprocal addition.

Can I combine mH and µH values directly?

Convert to a common unit first. This tool keeps all entries in one selected unit.

How is this different from series inductors?

Series inductances add directly, while parallel inductances combine through reciprocals.

Report

Inductors in Parallel

Formula

Practical Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Tools

Recent Visits