Every final ohm load from 1 to 4 subs, single or dual voice coil, any impedance: wiring diagram for each and a check against your amp’s minimum load.
Number of subs
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Voice coils
Single
(SVC)
Dual
(DVC)
Single (SVC)
Dual (DVC)
Single (SVC)
Dual (DVC)
Ohms per coil
Per coil: a dual 2 ohm sub is 2.
Amp minimum stable load (ohms)
Optional. 1 for a “1 ohm stable” amp.
Final loads you can get
0.5 Ω, 2 Ω, 8 Ω
Wiring layouts
Left side of each coil box is its + terminal. 1A = sub 1, coil A.
0.5 Ω
Each sub’s two coils in parallel: 1 Ω per sub. Subs in parallel.
• On each sub, join A + to B + and A − to B −.
• Every sub’s + to amp +, every sub’s − to amp −.
2 Ω
Each sub’s two coils in series: 4 Ω per sub. Subs in parallel.
• On each sub, jump coil A − to coil B +. A + and B − are now the sub’s terminals.
• Every sub’s + to amp +, every sub’s − to amp −.
2 Ω
Each sub’s two coils in parallel: 1 Ω per sub. Subs in series.
• On each sub, join A + to B + and A − to B −.
• Amp + to sub 1 +, sub 1 − to sub 2 +, and so on; the last sub’s − goes to amp −.
8 Ω
Each sub’s two coils in series: 4 Ω per sub. Subs in series.
• On each sub, jump coil A − to coil B +. A + and B − are now the sub’s terminals.
• Amp + to sub 1 +, sub 1 − to sub 2 +, and so on; the last sub’s − goes to amp −.
Guidance only, never a safety rating. Follow your amp and vehicle manuals. The fuse protects the wire: put it within 18 in of the battery. Disconnect the battery before you wire.
How it works
Pick how many subs, single or dual voice coil, and the ohms of each coil. The calculator lists every balanced way to wire them and the final load each gives, with a diagram. Add your amp’s minimum stable load and it marks the layouts the amp can handle.
Example: two dual 2 ohm subs. Coils in series make each sub 4 Ω: both subs in parallel give 2 Ω, in series 8 Ω. Coils in parallel make each sub 1 Ω: in series 2 Ω, in parallel 0.5 Ω. So the choices are 0.5, 2 and 8 Ω.
For a 1 ohm stable amp, 2 Ω is the lowest it handles, so that is the layout for the most power. Three dual 4 ohm subs give 0.67, 2.67, 6 or 24 Ω.
Frequently asked questions
How do I wire a dual 2 ohm sub to 1 ohm?
Wire its two coils in parallel: join + to + and − to −. Two 2 ohm coils in parallel make 1 Ω.
Can I wire two dual 4 ohm subs to 1 ohm?
Yes. Coils in parallel make each sub 2 Ω, and the two subs in parallel make 1 Ω. The other choices are 4 Ω (coils in series, subs in parallel, or coils in parallel, subs in series) and 16 Ω.
What happens if the load is below my amp’s minimum?
The amp draws more current than it is built for. It runs hot, goes into protect, or fails. Stay at or above the minimum stable load in its manual.