Series Resistance Calculator
Calculate total resistance when resistors are connected in series
Understanding Series Resistance
What is Series Connection?
When resistors are connected in series, they are connected end-to-end in a single path. The same current flows through all resistors, but the voltage drops across each resistor.
Formula
The total resistance in a series circuit is simply the sum of all individual resistances:
Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... + Rn
When to Use Series Connection
Series resistors are used when you need to:
- Increase total resistance in a circuit
- Create voltage dividers
- Limit current flow
- Drop voltage across multiple components
Example Calculation
If you have three resistors: 100Ω, 220Ω, and 330Ω connected in series:
Rtotal = 100 + 220 + 330 = 650Ω
Key Points
- Total resistance always increases in series
- Current is the same through all resistors
- Voltage divides across each resistor
- If one component fails, the entire circuit breaks