How is total current calculated in a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, the total current is calculated by summing the current flowing through each branch. This is because, in a parallel configuration, each branch operates independently and the voltage across each branch is the same. As a result, the total current entering the parallel circuit is equal to the sum of the individual currents in each branch.

Each branch can have different resistances, leading to different amounts of current flowing through them according to Ohm's law (V = IR). The ability to just add the current values from each branch allows for an accurate representation of the total current being supplied by the source. This principle is fundamental in the analysis of parallel circuits and is critical for understanding how electrical loads share current in these types of circuits.

Other methods like multiplying the current by the number of branches, calculating the average current, or adding only the highest and lowest current would not accurately represent the behavior of the circuit. They do not take into account the individual contributions from each branch, which is essential for a clear understanding of how current flows in a parallel setup.