Current Divider Calculator

Calculate how current divides between parallel resistors using the current divider rule. Analyze current distribution in parallel circuits.

Current Divider Circuit

                    Iโ‚      Iโ‚‚      Iโ‚ƒ
                    โ†“       โ†“       โ†“
    Itotal โ”€โ”€โ”ฌโ”€โ”€โ”€ R1 โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ฌโ”€โ”€โ”€ R2 โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ฌโ”€โ”€โ”€ R3 โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ฌโ”€โ”€โ”€
             โ”‚          โ”‚          โ”‚          โ”‚
             โ”‚          โ”‚          โ”‚          โ”‚
             โ””โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ดโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”ดโ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”€โ”˜
             
    Current Divider Rule: Ix = Itotal ร— (Req / Rx)
    Where Req = 1/(1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...)

Parallel Resistors

About Current Dividers

A current divider is a circuit that splits an input current into multiple output currents. In parallel circuits, current divides inversely proportional to the resistance values.

Key Principles:

  • Inverse Relationship: Lower resistance gets higher current
  • Current Conservation: Sum of branch currents equals input current
  • Same Voltage: All parallel branches have the same voltage
  • Independent Branches: Each branch operates independently

Applications:

  • Current sensing circuits
  • Load sharing in power supplies
  • Analog signal processing
  • Current measurement shunts

Design Considerations:

  • Resistance tolerance affects current accuracy
  • Temperature effects on resistance values
  • Power dissipation in each branch
  • Component aging and drift