Resistor Network Calculator

Resistor Network Calculator. The Resistor Network Calculator finds the total resistance of multiple resistors wired together — useful when designing circuits and you need to know how combined components behave as a single unit. Select your connection type (series or parallel), choose the number of resistors (2–6), and enter each resistor value with its unit (µΩ to MΩ) to get the equivalent resistance, plus total power dissipation and current draw at 1V. Also try the Pull-Up / Pull-Down Resistor Calculator.

Connection Type *

Number of Resistors *

Resistor 1 Value *

Unit 1 *

Resistor 2 Value *

Unit 2 *

Resistor 3 Value

Unit 3

Resistor 4 Value

Unit 4

Resistor 5 Value

Unit 5

Resistor 6 Value

Unit 6

Results

Equivalent Resistance

Total Power (at 1V)

Current Draw (at 1V)

Results Table

What is the difference between series and parallel resistor connections?

In series connections, resistors are connected end-to-end and the total resistance equals the sum of all resistances. In parallel connections, resistors are connected side-by-side and the reciprocal of total resistance equals the sum of reciprocals of individual resistances. See also our calculate SMD Resistor Code Resistance Value.

How do I calculate equivalent resistance for parallel resistors?

For parallel resistors, use the formula: 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... The equivalent resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistor value.

How do I calculate equivalent resistance for series resistors?

For series resistors, simply add all resistance values: Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... The total resistance is always greater than any individual resistor.

What units are supported by this calculator?

The calculator supports microohms (µΩ), milliohms (mΩ), ohms (Ω), kiloohms (kΩ), and megaohms (MΩ). You can mix different units for different resistors.

Can I calculate networks with more than 6 resistors?

This calculator supports up to 6 resistors in a single series or parallel configuration. For larger networks, you can break them down into smaller groups and calculate step by step.

Why is parallel resistance always smaller than the smallest resistor?

In parallel connections, current has multiple paths to flow through. More paths mean less overall resistance, so the equivalent resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistor.

How accurate are the calculations?

The calculator provides high precision results with up to 6 decimal places. It handles very small (microohm) and very large (megaohm) resistance values accurately.

What do the power and current calculations show?

The calculator shows the current draw and power dissipation when 1 volt is applied across the network. This helps you understand the electrical characteristics of your resistor combination. You might also find our Resistor Color Code Calculator (4-Band) useful.