Scope

Preliminary power-factor arithmetic only. It does not design capacitor banks, address harmonics or resonance, or determine utility tariff compliance.

Lookup table

Estimate kVAR per kW required to improve power factor between common target values.

Scroll sideways to keep row labels aligned with hidden columns.

Formula basis: kVAR = kW x (tan(arccos existing PF) - tan(arccos target PF)).
Existing PFTo 0.90 PFTo 0.95 PFTo 1.00 PFUse
0.60.8491.0051.333kVAR per kW of real load
0.650.6850.841.169kVAR per kW of real load
0.70.5360.6921.02kVAR per kW of real load
0.750.3980.5530.882kVAR per kW of real load
0.80.2660.4210.75kVAR per kW of real load
0.850.1350.2910.62kVAR per kW of real load
0.9n/a0.1560.484kVAR per kW of real load
Notes
  • Check table values for preliminary lookup and arithmetic checks only.
  • Confirm equipment ratings, product markings, installation conditions, utility requirements, and the local authority requirements before design or field use.