# Current Divider Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/physics/current-divider/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The current divider calculator finds how a total current splits between up to six parallel branches of resistors, inductors or capacitors.

## Inputs

- Branch type
- Total current I (A, mA, µA, kA)
- Branch 1 value (Ω, H or F – same unit for all)
- Branch 2 value
- Branch 3 value
- Branch 4 value
- Branch 5 value
- Branch 6 value

## Results

- Current in branch 1
- Current in branch 2
- Current in branch 3
- Current in branch 4
- Current in branch 5
- Current in branch 6

## Formula

```
Resistors/inductors: I_k = I·(1/Z_k) / Σ(1/Z_i) · Capacitors: I_k = I·C_k / ΣC_i
```

## Explanation

Current takes every available path, but more of it flows through the easier one. In parallel resistors, the current splits in inverse proportion to resistance – the dual of the voltage divider.

### How to use the Current Divider Calculator

- **Branch type**
- **Total current I**
- **Branch 1 value (Ω, H or F – same unit for all)**
- **Branch 2 value**
- **Branch 3 value**
- **Branch 4 value**
- **Branch 5 value**
- **Branch 6 value**

Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.

### How it works

Choose the branch type, enter the total current and the branch values (0 = unused).

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterBranch typeChoose one: Resistors, Inductors, CapacitorsTotal current IUnits: A, mA, µA, kABranch 1 value (Ω, H or F – same unit for all)A numberBranch 2 valueA numberBranch 3 valueA numberBranch 4 valueA numberBranch 5 valueA numberBranch 6 valueA number

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Total current I** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Total current I (A)Current in branch 1 (A)0.50.29990.750.449810.59981.250.74971.50.899721.1995

## Worked example

Inputs — Branch type: Resistors; Total current I: 1 A; Branch 1 value (Ω, H or F – same unit for all): 100; Branch 2 value: 220; Branch 3 value: 470; Branch 4 value: 0; Branch 5 value: 0; Branch 6 value: 0.

Results — **Current in branch 1 = 0.59977 A**; Current in branch 2 = 0.27262 A; Current in branch 3 = 0.12761 A; Current in branch 4 = 0 A; Current in branch 5 = 0 A; Current in branch 6 = 0 A.

## Key terms

- **Current divider**: Parallel circuit that splits current.

## FAQ

**Which branch gets the most current?**
The one with the lowest resistance (or largest capacitance).

**Does the total current change?**
The sum of branch currents equals the total.

**Why do capacitors divide the other way?**
Their reactance falls as capacitance rises.

**Is frequency needed for inductors?**
No – the ratio is the same at any frequency for ideal parts.


## Sources

- [OpenStax – University Physics Volume 2](https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-2)
- [HyperPhysics (Georgia State University)](http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html)