Current Divider Calculator
Calculate current distribution in parallel resistive, inductive, and capacitive circuits
Calculate Current Division
Source current entering the parallel circuit
Resistors in Parallel
You can add up to 10 components. Fields appear as needed.
Example Calculation
Resistive Current Divider
Circuit: Two resistors in parallel
Total current: 1 A
R₁: 20 Ω
R₂: 40 Ω
Solution
I₁ = I × R₂/(R₁ + R₂) = 1 × 40/(20 + 40) = 0.667 A
I₂ = I × R₁/(R₁ + R₂) = 1 × 20/(20 + 40) = 0.333 A
Verification: I₁ + I₂ = 0.667 + 0.333 = 1.000 A ✓
Circuit Types
Resistive
DC and AC circuits
Current ∝ 1/Resistance
Inductive
AC circuits only
Current ∝ 1/Inductance
Capacitive
AC circuits only
Current ∝ Capacitance
Key Principles
Current divides inversely with impedance
Kirchhoff's Current Law applies
Voltage is same across parallel branches
Sum of branch currents equals total current
Understanding Current Divider Circuits
What is a Current Divider?
A current divider is any circuit that divides current into various parallel paths. The magnitude of current through each path depends on the impedance of that path. Unlike voltage dividers, current and impedance have an inverse relationship.
Current Divider Rule
The current divider rule states that the current through any branch in a parallel circuit is equal to the total current multiplied by the ratio of the equivalent impedance to the branch impedance.
Applications
- •Circuit analysis and design
- •Current sensing and measurement
- •Power distribution systems
- •Electronic circuit troubleshooting
Formulas by Circuit Type
Resistive Circuits
I₁ = I_total × R₂/(R₁ + R₂)
I₂ = I_total × R₁/(R₁ + R₂)
Inductive Circuits (AC)
I₁ = I_total × L₂/(L₁ + L₂)
X_L = 2πfL
Capacitive Circuits (AC)
I₁ = I_total × C₁/(C₁ + C₂)
X_C = 1/(2πfC)
Note: For AC circuits (inductive/capacitive), frequency affects reactance and therefore current distribution.