The following formula may be used to calculate a parallel resonant crystal's external load capacitors:
CL = ((CX1 x CX2) / (CX1 + CX2)) + Cstray
where:
CL = the crystal load capacitance
Cstray = the stray capacitance in the oscillator circuit, which will normally be in the 2pF to 5pF range.
Assuming that CX1=CX2 then the equation becomes:
CL = ((CX1 x CX1) / (2 x CX1)) + Cstray
CL = (CX1 / 2) + Cstray
Rearranging the equation, we can find the external load capacitor value:
CX1 = 2(CL - Cstray)
For example, if the crystal load capacitance is 15pF, and assuming Cstray=2pF, then: