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Power Factor Calculator
Calculate the power factor from real power (kW) and apparent power (kVA). Also shows reactive power and phase angle. Identify if power factor correction is needed.
What is Power Factor?
Power factor (PF) is the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA). It measures how efficiently electrical power is used. A PF of 1.0 means all power is used productively; a PF of 0.7 means 30% is wasted as reactive power.
Low power factor increases current draw, causing higher cable losses, larger transformer/generator requirements, and potential utility penalty charges. Power factor correction capacitors can improve PF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good power factor?
A power factor of 0.95 or above is considered good. Below 0.85 may attract penalty charges from some electricity suppliers and requires correction.
How do I improve power factor?
Install power factor correction (PFC) capacitors near inductive loads (motors, chillers). This supplies reactive power locally, reducing the current drawn from the supply and improving PF.
Power Factor Calculator
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