Series vs Parallel Circuits (simple) — free printable diagram

About this illustration

Side-by-side comparison of a series circuit (left) and a parallel circuit (right). The series circuit shows a single loop containing a battery cell, an open switch at the top, and two light bulbs (Light bulb 1 and Light bulb 2) connected in series along the bottom. The parallel circuit shows a battery cell and an open switch at the top, with two light bulbs (Light bulb 1 and Light bulb 2) connected in separate parallel branches, each spanning the full width of the loop. Standard schematic symbols are used throughout: battery cell with long/short lines and red/black polarity markings, switch as an open lever, and bulbs as circles with an X. Colour scheme: green header for series, blue header for parallel.

How to use

1. 1Right-click the image and choose “Save image as”, or use the download button.
2. 2Use it in your classroom worksheets, slides or printables — free under CC BY-NC 4.0.
3. 3Attribute as “Image by Kuraplan” or link back to kuraplan.com. Not for commercial resale.