This makes a lot of sense, now what doesn't make sense to me is why the online designer would have me use those 15x23%, it would seem to me that if every one added past the first loses half then after about 10 or so (though really at 1% it's not adding anything substantial) they are no longer helping any. will have to think about that one. Anywho, thank you to you both for answering my question was beginning to think no one would share with me 

I have read through the forums a bit and haven't found the answer I am looking for. I know it has to be something simple that I am not seeing because it's almost 4 in the morning. My question is, How in the world are they added up? What I mean is... using the online ship builder I was messing around and the shields for one ship came to:

1x27% and 15x23%

so 16 shields and the total absorption came to 49%. How did it come to only 49%? Like I said I know it has to be a simple answer but for whatever the reason it seems to be eluding me at present. Thanks in advance for any help or answer provided