Enter your **total current (I)** and **resistor values (R1 and R2)** into this **Current Divider Calculator** to find how current splits across a parallel circuit — including **current through R1**, **current through R2**, **total equivalent resistance**, and the **voltage across the circuit**.
Current through R1
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Current through R2
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Total Equivalent Resistance
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Voltage Across Circuit
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A current divider is a linear circuit that splits an input current into multiple parallel branches. The current divides inversely proportional to the resistance values - branches with lower resistance carry more current.
The current divider rule states that current through each branch equals the total current multiplied by the opposite branch resistance divided by the sum of all resistances. For two resistors: I1 = I_total × R2/(R1+R2).
In parallel circuits, current divides inversely with resistance. Lower resistance branches carry more current, while higher resistance branches carry less current. The voltage across all branches remains the same.
Use the current divider formula: I_branch = I_total × (R_other)/(R1 + R2). For branch 1: I1 = I_total × R2/(R1+R2). For branch 2: I2 = I_total × R1/(R1+R2).
The current divider rule is essential for analyzing parallel circuits, designing current distribution networks, and calculating power dissipation in each branch. It helps engineers determine proper resistance values for desired current ratios.
When one resistor is much larger, most current flows through the smaller resistor. For example, if R1 is 10 times larger than R2, approximately 91% of current flows through R2 and only 9% through R1.
Yes, the current divider rule can be extended to any number of parallel resistors. For multiple branches, calculate the equivalent resistance of all other branches and apply the same principle.
No, a series circuit is not a current divider. In series circuits, the same current flows through all components. Current division only occurs in parallel circuits where current has multiple paths to flow through.