Abstract The equivalent circuit model (ECM) is developed by using a MATLAB code to analyze graphene-based multi-band chiral metamaterial absorbers composing graphene-based square split-ring resonator arrays in the terahertz (THz) range. The absorbers are simulated numerically by the finite element method (FEM) in CST Software to verify the ECM results. Our introduced multi-band absorbers can be used as suitable platforms in polarization-sensitive devices and systems in the THz range. We have designed four tunable graphene-based chiral metamaterial absorbers containing one, two, three, and four gaps in their arms, respectively. The absorber with one gap has four absorption bands (two for TE and three for TM, one band of both modes approximately overlaps) with absorption >50%. The absorber with two gaps has three absorption bands (two for TE and two for TM, one band of both modes approximately overlaps). The absorber with three gaps has four absorption bands (three for TE and two for TM, one band of both modes approximately overlaps). The absorber with four gaps has three absorption bands (three for TE and two for TM, two bands of both modes approximately overlap). They work in the 1–5.5 THz with maximum linear dichroism (LD) responses of 98, 99, 89, and 77%, respectively. The designed absorbers are dynamically tunable. Additionally, by a 90° rotation of the incident electromagnetic fields, it is possible to switch between the number and/or location of absorption bands making these absorbers a promising candidate for future THz systems. ECM results are following the FEM ones. The proposed ECM procedure is a simple and fast way to recognize the characteristics of the designed absorbers. Our proposed absorbers could be promising enablers in future THz systems.