Power factor correction calculator
Calculate theoretical reactive compensation for a sinusoidal, lagging load.
Result
Power factor correction– – –
Enter your values and press Calculate result.Qc = P × (tan φ₁ − tan φ₂); cos φ = displacement PFConstant real power, sinusoidal waveforms and lagging displacement power factors. Target PF must be at least the initial PF. True PF affected by harmonics is not interchangeable with displacement PF. Outputs theoretical reactive power only, without capacitor selection, harmonics, resonance or switching assessment.
What the numbers mean
For the stated model, reactive power equals real power multiplied by tan φ. Subtracting the target reactive power from the initial reactive power gives the theoretical compensation. Equipment selection requires further information about the installation.
Formula reference: Schneider Electric · Definition of reactive power ↗A worked example
At 100 kW, improving lagging displacement PF from 0.8 to 1 requires 75 kVAr of theoretical capacitive compensation.
Validation, precision and limitations