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Electrical

Power Factor Correction Calculator

Estimate reactive compensation needed to raise a lagging power factor.

Ideal component relationshipsUnits and assumptions explained below
Circuit workbench
Circuit workbench

Keep RMS, peak and DC values distinct.

See the method

Enter circuit values

Runs on your device

Your circuit result

Your result

Let’s calculate.

Use the Calculate button to see your result.

Review the method below for assumptions and conventions.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter real power, initial power factor, target power factor.
  2. Select Calculate to view the result.
  3. Check the method and assumptions below before using the result.

The method, explained

Required capacitor reactive power = P[tan(acos(PFinitial))−tan(acos(PFtarget))].

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Using real power = 10 kW, initial power factor = 0.7, target power factor = 0.95, the result is 6.91519956 kvar. Change these example inputs to match your task; use the method above to check each step.

Understanding your result

Sinusoidal lagging load. Harmonics, resonance, switching and capacitor-bank design require separate evaluation.

What to keep in mind

Sinusoidal lagging load. Harmonics, resonance, switching and capacitor-bank design require separate evaluation. Ideal-component calculation for study and estimation. It does not select safe wiring, protective devices or component ratings for an installation.

Common questions

How do I use this power factor correction calculator?

Estimate reactive compensation needed to raise a lagging power factor. Enter real power in kW, initial power factor, target power factor. The starting example is editable; use values for the same system or project.

Which assumptions affect this result?

Sinusoidal lagging load. Harmonics, resonance, switching and capacitor-bank design require separate evaluation.

Methodology maintained by ClarityKit. How these tools are built and checked.