In electronics, we can find both series and parallel circuits.
A series circuit is a circuit where the components are connected in a consecutive chain. This gives the current only one path to take.
A parallel circuit is a circuit where the components are connected parallel to each other. So the current will flow in several paths.

Often, real circuits have a mix of series and parallel circuits.
Series Circuits
Current in Circuits Connected in Series
The current in a series circuit is equal everywhere in the path. The same amount of current flows through all the components. To find the current use Ohm’s law
Resistance in Series Circuits
If you have several resistors connected in series, it’s very easy to find the total resistance. All you have to do is to find the sum of all the resistance values.

Capacitors Connected in Series
Capacitors connected in series are a little more complicated to calculate, but still easy once you learn it.

This is the formula for calculating capacitance values:
To find CTOTAL you need to flip both sides, and you’ll end up with this:
Parallel Circuits
Calculating resistance and capacitance in a parallel circuit is kind of funny. You just switch the methods from the series circuits =)
To calculate resistances in parallel you use the same method used to calculate capacitors in series. And vice versa.
Current in Parallel Circuits
The current in parallel circuits can be different from path to path. To find the current of a path, you use Ohm’s law.
Calculating Resistors in Parallel

To calculate the resistance in a parallel circuit, you use the following formula
To find RTOTAL you need to invert both sides, and you’ll end up with this:
Calculating Capacitors in Parallel

You calculate the capacitance from capacitors in parallel simply by taking the sum of all the capacitance values.
Write your comments and questions in the comment field below.
Can you also please guide me on how to design simple circuits like dark sensors, etc….
Hey! Check out this article:
https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/ldr-circuit-diagram
ya i understand how resistor and capacitor work in parallel &series
thanks to provide me easy solution
Great to hear buddy!
Oyvind
hi sir,
can i get how to design the inductor and transformer please suggest me.
thanks,
Hi brother
i need basic skills in how much resistance value and capacitor value for a circuit
Hi! Thanks for all the effort on all these articles.
Just curious, so are capacitors connected in parallel useful? As it just decrease the capacitance.
i mean series
It’s not a very common scenario. But one practical use is if you need 5 µF, but only have two 10 µF at hand…