Power Factor Calculator
Calculate real power, reactive power, apparent power and power factor in AC electrical systems
Calculator
Enter the voltage, current, and power factor to analyze your AC circuit. Adjust units as needed.
About the Power Factor Calculator
The Power Factor Calculator helps you analyze the efficiency of AC electrical systems by calculating key parameters — real power (kW), reactive power (kVAR), apparent power (kVA), and power factor (PF). Simply enter voltage, current, and power factor to evaluate circuit performance instantly. This tool can be used widely by electrical engineers, energy auditors, and technicians working with power systems and industrial loads.
What You Can Calculate
- Real Power (P): The actual usable power, measured in kilowatts (kW), consumed by electrical loads.
- Reactive Power (Q): The non-working power, measured in kilovolt-amperes reactive (kVAR), stored and released by inductive or capacitive components.
- Apparent Power (S): The total power supplied, measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA), combining both real and reactive power.
- Power Factor (PF): The ratio of real power to apparent power, indicating how efficiently electrical energy is converted into useful work.
Formulas Used in the Calculator
The calculator uses standard electrical engineering equations to determine the relationship between power components in AC systems:
- S = V × I (Apparent Power in volt-amperes)
- P = S × PF (Real Power in watts)
- Q = √(S² − P²) (Reactive Power in volt-amperes reactive)
- PF = P ÷ S (Power Factor ratio)
Results are displayed in kW, kVAR, and kVA, allowing you to quickly assess electrical system performance and efficiency.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter the circuit voltage (V) and select the correct unit (V, mV, or kV).
- Provide the current (I) value and choose its unit (A, mA, or kA).
- Input the power factor (PF) between 0 and 1.
- The calculator instantly computes real power (kW), reactive power (kVAR), and apparent power (kVA).
Applications of Power Factor Calculation
Understanding and maintaining an optimal power factor is essential for energy efficiency and cost savings in industrial and commercial electrical systems. A low power factor leads to increased current flow, higher losses, and potential utility penalties.
- Design and optimization of AC power systems
- Load analysis and efficiency monitoring in industrial facilities
- Improvement of power quality and reduction of transmission losses
- Implementation of power factor correction using capacitors or synchronous condensers