Reference boundary

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

Reference table

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

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
Use notes
  • Use this table for preliminary reference and arithmetic checks only.
  • Confirm equipment ratings, product markings, installation conditions, utility requirements, and the local authority requirements before design or field use.