Capacitance Calculator

Calculate capacitance values, energy storage, capacitive reactance, and time constants for various capacitor configurations and circuit applications.

Capacitor Fundamentals

+Q
ε
-Q
V
C = Q / V
Capacitance = Charge / Voltage

Calculation Method

Basic Capacitance (C = Q/V)

V
µC

About Capacitance

Capacitance is the ability of a component to store electrical charge. Capacitors are fundamental components in electronic circuits used for energy storage, filtering, timing, and coupling applications.

Key Properties:

  • Capacitance (C): Measured in Farads (F), typically µF, nF, pF
  • Voltage Rating: Maximum safe operating voltage
  • ESR: Equivalent Series Resistance
  • Temperature Coefficient: Capacitance change with temperature

Applications:

  • Power Supply Filtering: Smoothing rectified AC
  • Coupling/Decoupling: AC signal coupling, DC blocking
  • Timing Circuits: RC oscillators, delays
  • Energy Storage: Flash photography, motor starting

Selection Criteria:

  • Required capacitance value and tolerance
  • Operating voltage and safety margin
  • Frequency response and ESR requirements
  • Temperature range and stability
  • Physical size and mounting constraints