Load Factor (Electrical)

Calculate load factor from demand or energy inputs. Ideal for utilities, generators, feeders, and capacity planning.

How to Use

  1. Select an input mode (Demand-based or Energy-based).
  2. Enter the required values (average/peak demand, or energy + time period + peak demand).
  3. Results update instantly (no URL changes while typing).
  4. Open “Show Work” for formulas and steps.
System Utilization View
Load factor is average demand ÷ peak demand over the period.
Load Factor
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Average Demand
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Peak Demand
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Interpretation: —
Capacity Used (avg)
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Demand Swing
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Higher load factor generally means steadier usage (better asset utilization). Very low load factor suggests peaky demand.
Inputs & Settings
Choose a mode and enter values. Tool calculates in base units (kW, kWh, hours).
Average (mean) demand over the period.
Maximum demand observed during the period.
Show Work (step-by-step)
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Work is shown in base units (kW, hours, kWh). Load factor is a ratio (0 to 1), often expressed as a percent.

Formulas

Load Factor describes how steadily a system is used relative to its peak.

  • Demand-based: LF = AvgDemand ÷ PeakDemand
  • Energy-based: AvgDemand = Energy ÷ Time, then LF = AvgDemand ÷ PeakDemand
  • Percent form: LF% = LF × 100
Typical range: 0–1 (or 0–100%). Values above 1 indicate inconsistent inputs/units.

FAQ

What’s a “good” load factor?

It depends on the system. Higher load factor means steadier usage and better utilization. Very low values mean demand is spiky relative to the peak.

Can load factor be over 1?

In real data, it should not exceed 1. If it does, it usually means units are mismatched or peak demand is not the true peak for the same time window.

Energy-based vs demand-based—when do I use each?

Use demand-based when you know average and peak demand. Use energy-based when you know total energy over a period and the peak demand in that period.

Tool Info

Last updated:

Updates may include UI improvements, unit support, and calculation edge-case handling.