Simplified Formulas for Parallel Circuit Resistance Calculations

Total resistance of equal resistors in a parallel circuit is equal to the resistance of one resistor divided by the number of resistors.

Total resistance of equal resistors in a parallel circuit

where
RT = total resistance
R = resistance of one resistor
N = number of resistors

Example:

Five lamps, each with a resistance of 40Ω, are connected in parallel. Find total resistance.

Solution :

R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R5 = 40Ω

So, N = 5

Total resistance of equal resistors in a parallel circuit

RT = R / N = 40/5 = 8 Ω

When any two resistors are unequal in a parallel circuit, it is easier to calculate RT by multiplying the two resistances and then dividing the product by the sum, as shown in below equation.

Parallel circuit Two resistors Formula

Above equation, this is valid when there are only two resistors in parallel.

Example:

Find the total resistance of a parallel circuit which has one 12Ω and one 4Ω resistor.

Solution :

Parallel circuit Two resistors Formula

RT = (12 x 4) / (12+4) = 48/16 = 3 Ω

In certain cases involving two resistors in parallel, it is useful to find an unknown resistor, Rx , to obtain a certain RT. To find the appropriate formula, we start with above equation and let the known resistor be R and the unknown resistor be Rx

Parallel Circuit Unknown Resistance Formula

Parallel Circuit Unknown Resistance

Example:

What value of resistance must be added, in parallel, with an 8Ω resistor to provide a total resistance of 6Ω (Figure 28)?

Parallel Circuit Unknown Resistance Calculations

Figure 28 Example Parallel Circuit

Solution :

Rx = (RT .R) / (R – RT ) = (8×6)/(8+6) = 48/2 = 24 Ω

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2 thoughts on “Simplified Formulas for Parallel Circuit Resistance Calculations”

  1. Rt= 2k R= 1.2k
    Rx = (Rt.R)/(R-Rt)
    (2k .1.2k)/(1.2k – 2k)
    (2000 . 1200)/(1200 – 2000)
    2,400,000/ -800
    = -3k…………?

    So my resistor will actually be a superconductor?

    Reply
    • Silly Herman. When you have two parallel resistors, you can’t have a total resistance that is greater than either of the two parallel resistors…..

      Reply

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