Use Volts & Amps if you have a meter reading of real power, voltage, and current. Use Real & Apparent Power if you already know your power in kW and kVA from a utility bill or equipment nameplate.
Formula: PF = (Real Power × 1,000) ÷ (Voltage × Current), with a √3 (line-to-line) or 3× (line-to-neutral) multiplier applied automatically for three-phase.
Real power (P), reactive power (Q), and apparent power (S) drawn to scale for your result, with the phase angle (θ) between P and S.
Results are for reference and estimation only. Verify all values before use in any electrical design or correction decision. See full disclaimer below.
How your calculated power factor compares to standard industry bands. Most utilities set their penalty threshold around 0.90.
| Band | PF Range | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Unity | 1.00 | All supplied power is doing useful work — the ideal case. |
| Good | 0.95 – 0.99 | Above most utility requirements; no penalty expected. |
| Average | 0.80 – 0.95 | Typical uncorrected industrial load; correction often pays for itself. |
| Poor | Below 0.80 | Likely incurring utility penalties; correction strongly recommended. |
Bands are general industry guidance. Confirm your own utility's exact penalty threshold and rate structure on your tariff sheet.