How to Calculate Power Factor

Power Factor (PF) is a measure of how effectively electrical power is being used in a system. It is the ratio of Real Power (kW) to Apparent Power (kVA) and is expressed as a value between 0 and 1. A higher power factor indicates more efficient power usage.

Power Factor Formula:

Power Factor (PF) = Real Power (W) / Apparent Power (VA)

Where:

• Real Power (W): The actual power consumed by the load, measured in watts (W).
• Apparent Power (VA): The product of voltage (V) and current (A), measured in volt-amperes (VA).

How to Use This Power Factor Calculator (Free Online)

This calculator is designed to help you calculate the current power factor and the corrected apparent power based on user inputs. Here’s how to use it:

Steps to Use:

1. Enter Real Power (kW):
   • Input the real power consumed by the load in kilowatts (kW).
2. Enter Current (A):
   • Input the current flowing through the circuit in amperes (A).
3. Enter Voltage (V):
   • Input the voltage of the circuit in volts (V).
4. Enter Frequency (Hz):
   • Input the frequency of the AC supply in hertz (Hz).
5. Enter Corrected Power Factor:
   • Input the desired (corrected) power factor value (e.g., 0.95).
6. Click “Calculate Power Factor”:
   • The calculator will compute:
     • The current power factor.
     • The corrected apparent power required to achieve the desired power factor.

Power Factor Formulas Used in the Calculator

The calculator uses the following formulas:

1. Calculate Apparent Power (VA):
   Apparent Power (VA) = Voltage (V) × Current (A)
2. Calculate Current Power Factor:
   Current Power Factor = Real Power (W) / Apparent Power (VA)
3. Calculate Corrected Apparent Power (VA):
   Corrected Apparent Power (VA) = Real Power (W) / Desired Power Factor

How the Calculator Works

Input Fields:

• Real Power (kW): The actual power consumed by the load, entered in kilowatts (kW).
• Current (A): The current flowing through the circuit, entered in amperes (A).
• Voltage (V): The voltage of the circuit, entered in volts (V).
• Frequency (Hz): The frequency of the AC supply, entered in hertz (Hz).
• Corrected Power Factor: The desired power factor value (e.g., 0.95).

Output:

• Current Power Factor: The calculated power factor based on the input values.
• Corrected Apparent Power (VA): The apparent power required to achieve the desired power factor.

Example Calculation

Inputs:

• Real Power = 5 kW
• Current = 20 A
• Voltage = 240 V
• Frequency = 50 Hz
• Corrected Power Factor = 0.95

Calculations:

1. Convert Real Power to Watts:Real Power (W)=5 kW×1000=5000 WReal Power (W)=5kW×1000=5000W
2. Calculate Apparent Power:Apparent Power (VA)=240 V×20 A=4800 VAApparent Power (VA)=240V×20A=4800VA
3. Calculate Current Power Factor:

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