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Power Factor Correction Calculator

Estimate signed reactive-power correction needed to move an ideal sinusoidal load from its entered power factor to a chosen target.

Inputs

Load and power factor

Range: 0–100,000 kW

Enter real operating load power, not apparent power. Zero kW returns zero correction and zero apparent power.

Range: 0.01–1

Use the existing displacement power factor magnitude for the load. Distortion PF is not modeled.

Range: 0.01–1

Enter the desired target PF magnitude. A target below the existing PF produces a negative signed correction.

Result

Apparent power before correction (kVA)
133.33
Estimated capacitive correction (kVAr)
55.32
Apparent power at target PF (kVA)
105.26
Correction basis
Signed correction is the ideal capacitive kVAr required for the entered target PF.

Formula

Calculation logic

Formula definitions and substituted values.

Before relying on the result

  • Estimate kvar from measured kW and existing power factor
  • Compare alternative target power factors
  • Treat the signed kVAr result as an ideal arithmetic estimate and assess harmonics, switching, resonance and equipment design separately.

Related calculators

Treat the signed kVAr result as an ideal arithmetic estimate and assess harmonics, switching, resonance and equipment design separately.