A planar differential inductor reduces an effect of parasitics on common mode inductance of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)-based inductor to properly ground a common mode alternating current (AC) ground. In one instance, the planar differential inductor includes a ground plane, routing lines, distributed capacitors, an exterior inductor structure, and an interior inductor structure. The planar differential inductor may be coupled to a capacitor as part of an LC tank that operates as a resonator within a VCO. The bypass capacitor array is coupled between the ground plane and the routing lines. The exterior inductor structure is coupled between the routing lines and a power supply. The interior inductor is within the ground plane and coupled between the routing lines and differential ports.