Resistors in Series Calculator

Calculate the total resistance of multiple resistors connected in series.

Resistor Values

Resistor 1

Resistor 2

Total Resistance

Enter resistor values to calculate total

About this calculator

Quick Reference

R1, R2, ...Resistance of each resistor

R_totalEquivalent series resistance

CurrentRemains constant in series

Overview

When resistors are connected in series, the same current flows through each of them. The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.

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Pro Tips

Series resistance formula: R_total = R1 + R2 + ... + Rn.
In a series circuit, the total resistance is always greater than the highest individual resistor.
The total voltage across the series is the sum of the voltages across each resistor.

Fun Facts

"Series circuits are used in simple holiday lights; if one bulb burns out (creating an open circuit), the entire string goes dark."
"The concept of series resistance is used in 'shunt' resistors for measuring high currents."
"Resistance in materials is caused by electrons colliding with atoms as they move through the substance."

Formula: R_total = R1 + R2 + ... + Rn