Results are for reference only. Ideal DC resistive model — real components have tolerance, temperature drift, and ratings. Mind live circuits and power limits.
Engineering · electronics

Electrical Circuit

Ohm's law and power from any two values — plus resistor networks.
V = I·R · P = V·I
12 V · 3 A

Ohm's law

any two

The circuit

All four quantities
Resistor networks

Series & parallel

add resistors, get both totals
In series (end to end)
Resistances add up. The total is always larger than the biggest one.
In parallel (side by side)
Reciprocals add. The total is always smaller than the smallest one.
Field notes

The relationships worth memorising

Using this tool

Ohm's law in one place

Ohm's law ties together voltage (V, the push), current (I, the flow), and resistance (R, the opposition): V = I·R. Add power (P = V·I, in watts) and you have four quantities where knowing any two gives the other two. Pick your two knowns, type them in, and the rest fall out.

Worked example

A 12 V supply across a 4 Ω resistor drives 3 A (12 ÷ 4) and dissipates 36 W (12 × 3). Double the resistance to 8 Ω and the current halves to 1.5 A — and the power drops to 18 W.

Put two 4 Ω resistors in series and you get 8 Ω; put them in parallel and you get 2 Ω. That's how you hit a resistance you don't have a single part for.

Which power formula should I use?

Whichever fits what you know: P = V·I, or P = I²·R, or P = V²/R. They're all the same law rearranged. This tool computes all of them for you.

Series or parallel — which lowers resistance?

Parallel always lowers it (you're giving current more paths). Series always raises it. Two equal resistors in parallel give half; in series, double.

Does this handle AC?

No — this is DC and pure resistance. AC adds reactance and phase from capacitors and inductors, where you'd work with impedance instead of plain resistance.

Why does power matter?

Power is heat. A resistor rated for ¼ W will burn out if you push 1 W through it, even if the resistance is "right." Always check the power against the component's rating.