Electronic Components
Parallel Inductor Calculator
Parallel Inductor helps you find equivalent inductance from inductor L1 and inductor L2. The page keeps the arithmetic visible so you can check the result against the original measurements.
Set up the Parallel Inductor case
Enter ratings or measurements that describe one scenario.
Equivalent inductance: calculation method
For this worksheet, the governing relationship is Leq = L1L2 ÷ (L1 + L2). The participating entries are Inductor L1 and Inductor L2.
With the current entries, the primary answer is 6.88 mH. Preserve the raw inputs when replacing this example.
Calculate equivalent inductance from inductor L1 and inductor L2. Series Inductor Calculator provides the related equivalent inductance check.
A second scenario
Change Inductor L1 from 10 mH to 12 mH as the sole changed variable. The two results are 6.88 mH to 7.76 mH.
This isolates one variable; a real system may change several at once.
Preparing the calculation
Record tolerance, bias point, duty cycle, and junction temperature. Nameplate and meter values are not interchangeable unless they describe the same condition.
Values used below a division bar must stay positive. A prefix error can move the result by several orders of magnitude. If you also need equivalent resistance, continue with Parallel Resistance Calculator.
- Inductor L1
- Default example: 10 mH. Enter inductor L1 in mH.
- Inductor L2
- Default example: 22 mH. Enter inductor L2 in mH.
Input quality checks
Mixing nominal and measured data is a common source of error.
Trace an unexpected result back through the raw entries first.
Applying the result
Read Equivalent inductance as the outcome of this equation, not as automatic equipment approval. Compare it with the selected component data-sheet limits.
Keep the input set beside the output so another reader can reproduce it. For the companion stored magnetic energy calculation, open Inductor Energy Calculator.
Checks before using the answer
This assumes uncoupled ideal inductors.
The surrounding system may introduce parasitics, layout inductance, tolerance stack-up, switching edges, and thermal resistance. Use measurements, manufacturer data, or another calculation for effects that can change the decision.
Record tolerance, bias point, duty cycle, and junction temperature.
A practical checking sequence
Review inductor L1 and the remaining entries as one case. If one value belongs to another temperature, load, or time period, separate the scenarios.
After calculating equivalent inductance, compare its magnitude with voltage rating, current rating, dissipation, tolerance, and transient stress. An independent order-of-magnitude check can reveal a misplaced decimal or unit prefix.
If uncertainty remains, calculate labeled low and high cases. Include pulse ratings, frequency behavior, package temperature, and layout when those effects can change the decision.