Series Resistor Calculator

Calculate the resistance in ohms of resistors connected in series by entering the value of each.

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Series Resistance:

 
Learn how we calculated this below

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Do you want to calculate resistors in parallel?

How to Calculate Resistors in Series

Resistors are electrical components that add resistance to a circuit. This calculator finds the total resistance measured in ohms (Ω).

Resistors connected in series are connected from one to the next, and current flows through each of them in the line.

Electrical circuit diagram showing resistors connected in series.
Diagram showing a circuit with 3 resistors connected in series.

There is a single path for current to flow, and because of this, finding the total resistance of resistors connected in series can be done by summing the values.

Series Resistor Formula

When multiple resistors are connected in series the total resistance can be found using this formula.

RT = R1 + R2 + … + Rn

So, the total resistance of resistors connected in series is equal to the value of each added together.

Series resistance formula stating that the total resistance is equal to the value of each resistance added together

For example, let’s find the total resistance of a circuit with 200 ohm, 300 ohm, and 400 ohm resistors connected in series.

RT = 200 Ω + 300 Ω + 400 Ω
RT = 900 Ω

The formula used to calculate series resistance is the inverse of the one used to calculate the capacitance for circuits with capacitors in series.