About the Current Divider Calculator
What is the Current Divider Calculator?
In parallel circuits, current divides so that the lowest resistance carries the most. This current divider calculator shares a total current between up to three branches.
It also shows the equivalent parallel resistance and the voltage across the branches.
How to use the Current Divider Calculator
- Total Current (A) (sample: 3)
- R1 (Ω) (sample: 10)
- R2 (Ω) (sample: 20)
- R3 (Ω, 0 if not used) (sample: 0)
- Press Split the Current (results also refresh as you type). The result card shows the Current in R1, along with Current in R2, Equivalent parallel resistance and Voltage across the branches.
Formula used
I_k = I_total × R_parallel ÷ R_k
- R_parallel = 1 ÷ (1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3)
For two resistors, I1 = I × R2 ÷ (R1 + R2).
Worked example
These are the sample values already filled in the calculator above, and the result it returns for them:
| Input | Sample value |
|---|---|
| Total Current (A) | 3 |
| R1 (Ω) | 10 |
| R2 (Ω) | 20 |
| R3 (Ω, 0 if not used) | 0 |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Current in R1 | 2 A |
| Current in R2 | 1 A |
| Equivalent parallel resistance | 6.6667 Ω |
| Voltage across the branches | 20 V |
Tips for using the Current Divider Calculator
- Check each branch's power: P = I² × R.
- Current shunts in ammeters use this principle.