Series & Parallel Inductors Calculator
Combine up to four inductors in series or parallel and instantly find the equivalent inductance. Enter a frequency to also get the inductive reactance X_L — useful for filter and impedance design.
Configuration
mH
mH
mH
mH
Hz
Sum of all inductors (no mutual inductance)
- 1
Inductor values (mH)
100 + 150Series: add all values directly (no mutual inductance assumed). - 2
Total inductance
L_total = 100 + 150 = 250
How does this calculator work?
Series inductors add directly (L = L₁ + L₂ + …); parallel inductors use the reciprocal rule (1/L = 1/L₁ + 1/L₂ + …). Enter 2–4 values in mH and optionally a frequency to also compute the inductive reactance X_L = 2πfL in ohms.
Formula
How this is calculated
When inductors are connected in series (end-to-end) and their magnetic fields do not interact, the total inductance is simply the sum of individual values: L_total = L₁ + L₂ + L₃ + …. Series combination always produces an inductance larger than any single element, analogous to series resistors.
In parallel the voltage across each inductor is the same, so the currents add. The total inductance is found via the reciprocal rule: 1/L_total = 1/L₁ + 1/L₂ + …, giving a result smaller than the smallest individual inductor, again mirroring the resistor analogy.
Both formulas assume negligible mutual inductance (the coils are well-separated or shielded). Real wound coils placed close together have mutual coupling M that either increases (aiding) or decreases (opposing) the total inductance by ±2M. Inductive reactance X_L = 2πfL shows how the total inductance impedes AC current at frequency f: higher frequency or larger inductance means more opposition to current change.
Frequently asked questions
Simply add the inductance values: L_total = L₁ + L₂ + … This assumes the coils are not magnetically coupled. If they are, you must account for mutual inductance: L_total = L₁ + L₂ ± 2M.
In parallel each inductor shares the current-handling, so less total flux linkage is needed to oppose current change. Mathematically, the reciprocal-sum rule always gives a result smaller than the smallest element.
Inductive reactance X_L = 2πfL (ohms) is the AC impedance of an inductor at frequency f. It increases linearly with both frequency and inductance, so higher frequencies and larger coils block more AC current — the opposite of a capacitor.
Also known as
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. (2026). Series & Parallel Inductors Calculator [Online calculator]. TG we-Calculate. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/series-inductors-calculator
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. "Series & Parallel Inductors Calculator." TG we-Calculate. 2026. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/series-inductors-calculator.
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team, "Series & Parallel Inductors Calculator," TG we-Calculate, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://we-calculate.com/calculator/series-inductors-calculator
@misc{wecalculate_series_inductors_calculator, title = {Series & Parallel Inductors Calculator}, author = {{TG we-Calculate Editorial Team}}, howpublished = {\url{https://we-calculate.com/calculator/series-inductors-calculator}}, year = {2026}, note = {TG we-Calculate} }
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