When inductors are connected in series, how is the total inductance calculated?

When inductors are connected in series, the total inductance is calculated by summing the individual inductances. This is because, in a series configuration, the magnetic fields of each inductor interact in such a way that they effectively combine their contributions to the overall inductance.

Mathematically, this relationship can be expressed as:

Total Inductance (L_total) = L1 + L2 + L3 + ... + Ln,

where L1, L2, L3, ..., Ln are the inductances of the individual inductors. The total inductance increases with the number of inductors in series because each one adds its own inductive effect, leading to a higher overall inductance than any single inductor alone.

This principle is fundamental in designing circuits that require specific inductive properties, ensuring that engineers can create assemblies that meet their specifications for filtering, energy storage, and other applications where inductance plays a crucial role.