Electrical Fundamentals
Current Divider Calculator
Use Current Divider to split current between two resistive parallel branches. The opening current through R1 case belongs to Current Divider.
Enter values for current through R1
Use one consistent electrical operating case for all fields.
How Current Divider works
The stated formula is I1 = Itotal × R2 ÷ (R1 + R2). Current Divider uses Total current, Branch resistance R1, Branch resistance R2 to report Current through R1. For loaded output voltage, use Loaded Voltage Divider Calculator.
In the loaded Current Divider case, current through R1 equals 2.00 A. Isolate a single uncertain input during sensitivity checks.
Current Divider alternate: set Total current to 3.3 A while branch resistance R1, branch resistance R2 keep their Current Divider defaults. Compared with the original 3 A case, Current through R1 changes from 2.00 A to 2.20 A. Name each Current Divider case by operating condition; neither is an automatic margin.
Inputs for Current Divider
Total current, Branch resistance R1, and Branch resistance R2 belong to Current Divider. Keep source units with total current.
Replace every example value with data from one documented operating condition.
- Total current
- Example entry: 3 A.
- Branch resistance R1
- Example entry: 10 Ω.
- Branch resistance R2
- Example entry: 20 Ω.
Reading the Current Divider result
This output represents Current Divider.
A computed value still needs comparison with standard equipment ratings and operating limits.
Keep the Current through R1 definition during conversion. Preserve A for Current Divider. Use current through R1 when interpreting Electrical Fundamentals units.
Measurement and units
Use measured values and keep prefixes such as milli, kilo, and mega consistent before calculating. Check prefixes on total current.
Matching units and measurement locations prevent false differences.
Select the Total current instrument range for Current Divider. Record reference node, conductor temperature, and current path. Repeat uncertain total current readings before refining current through R1.
Limits of this calculation
Reactive or nonlinear branches require impedance rather than resistance alone. Use Current Density Calculator to calculate current per unit conductor area.
The displayed formula isolates the stated electrical quantity. Unentered effects remain outside Current Divider.
For Current Divider, compare Current through R1 with measured voltage, current, resistance, and component dissipation. Document total current tolerance for Current Divider. Treat duty separately in Electrical Fundamentals.
Records for Current Divider
In Current Divider, tie total current to its source and state. Electric power can be checked in Electric Power Calculator.
Retain raw current through r1 beside its selected rating.
Questions about Current Divider
What does Current Divider calculate?
It evaluates current through R1 from total current and branch resistance R1 using the displayed formula.
Can Total current be zero?
For Current Divider, measure any zero total current directly.
Why can current through r1 differ from measurement?
Reactive or nonlinear branches require impedance rather than resistance alone. Recheck total current.