Current Divider Calculator
Enter the voltage across the parallel network and at least two resistor values.
Current Divider Formula
In a parallel circuit, every resistor has the same voltage across it. The current through each branch therefore depends on that branch's resistance.
Equivalent resistance: Req = 1 / GTotal
Total current: ITotal = V / Req
For two resistors: I1 = ITotal × R2 / (R1 + R2)
How Current Division Works
When resistors are connected in parallel, current has multiple paths available. The current through each path is determined by its resistance.
Parallel Branches
Parallel resistors share the same two electrical nodes. Consequently, the voltage across each resistor is the same.
Current Splits
The total current entering the parallel network divides between the individual branches.
Lower Resistance = More Current
With the same voltage across each branch, a branch with lower resistance carries more current than a branch with higher resistance.
Current Divider Example
Consider a 12 V supply connected across two parallel resistors: R1 = 100 Ω and R2 = 200 Ω.
R1 Current
I1 = 12 / 100
= 0.12 A
R1 carries 120 mA.
R2 Current
I2 = 12 / 200
= 0.06 A
R2 carries 60 mA.
Total Current
Itotal = I1 + I2
Itotal = 0.18 A,
or 180 mA.
Current Divider Applications
Current division is useful when analyzing resistor networks, parallel loads, sensor circuits, power distribution and electronic circuits.
Circuit Analysis
Use current division to determine individual branch currents without solving the entire circuit from scratch.
Parallel Loads
Estimate how current is distributed between different loads connected to the same supply.
Power Analysis
The calculator also determines the power dissipated by each resistor, which can help when selecting resistor power ratings.
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