An electric circuit visualizer displays schematic diagrams of circuits and calculates voltage, current, and power for each component using Kirchhoff's laws. Choose a circuit template, adjust component values, and see live results instantly.
Circuit Template
Circuit Diagram
Component Values
Kirchhoff's Analysis
Per-Component Table
| Component | V (V) | I (A) | P (W) |
|---|
How to Use the Electric Circuit Visualizer
This tool visualizes common circuit configurations and calculates voltage, current, and power for each component using Kirchhoff's laws. It's useful for checking circuit analysis homework and understanding how series vs. parallel connections affect component behavior.
Step 1: Choose a Circuit Template
Select from five templates: Series (resistors in a single loop), Parallel (resistors in parallel branches), Series-Parallel (combination circuit), Voltage Divider (two resistors producing intermediate voltage), or Wheatstone Bridge (four resistors for measurement). The schematic redraws instantly.
Step 2: Edit Component Values
Below the diagram, each component has an editable field showing its resistance (in ohms) or the supply voltage. Change any value and the calculations update immediately. For the series template with R₁=100Ω, R₂=200Ω, and 12V, the total resistance is 300Ω and current is 40mA.
Step 3: Read Kirchhoff's Analysis
The results panel shows total resistance, total current, total power, and supply voltage. The per-component table lists each resistor's voltage drop (KVL), branch current (KCL), and power dissipation. The KVL equation at the bottom confirms the voltage sum equals zero around the main loop.
Series vs. Parallel — The Core Difference
In a series circuit, the same current flows through every component (KCL: no branching), but voltage divides proportionally to resistance (KVL: V₁/V₂ = R₁/R₂). In a parallel circuit, every branch sees the same voltage, but current divides inversely with resistance (I₁/I₂ = R₂/R₁). Adding more parallel branches reduces total resistance and increases total current.
Wheatstone Bridge
The Wheatstone bridge is balanced when R₁/R₂ = R₃/R₄ — no current flows through the meter. This principle is used in precise resistance measurements. If the bridge is unbalanced, the tool shows the imbalance voltage across the meter terminals.
FAQ
What is Kirchhoff's voltage law?
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) states that the sum of all voltages around any closed loop in a circuit equals zero. In a series circuit, V_source = V_R1 + V_R2 + V_R3. This means the voltage 'drops' across all resistors must equal the supply voltage.
What is Kirchhoff's current law?
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) states that the sum of currents entering any node equals the sum of currents leaving it. In parallel branches, I_total = I_1 + I_2 + I_3. Each branch has the same voltage but different current depending on its resistance.
How do series and parallel resistors differ?
Series resistors add directly: R_total = R₁ + R₂ + R₃. All carry the same current but share the voltage. Parallel resistors combine as 1/R_total = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃. All share the same voltage but carry different currents proportional to 1/R.
Is this circuit tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run in your browser.
Is my data private?
Yes. All circuit calculations run locally. No data is sent to any server.
What is power dissipation in a resistor?
Power in watts is P = IV = I²R = V²/R. A 100-ohm resistor carrying 0.1A dissipates 0.1² × 100 = 1 watt. This is why high-power resistors are physically larger — they need more surface area to dissipate heat.
What is a voltage divider?
A voltage divider uses two series resistors to produce an output voltage that is a fraction of the supply. V_out = V_in × R₂/(R₁+R₂). For example, with 12V and R₁=R₂, V_out = 6V. Voltage dividers are used for sensor interfaces and reference voltages.