AC Power Triangle Solver

Three-Phase Power Triangle Calculator (kW, kVA, kVAR)

Commercial plant power quality analysis, avoiding utility reactive power penalties. Solves the complete AC Power Triangle: Real Active Power (kW), Apparent Power (kVA), Reactive Power (kVAR), and Power Factor (cos φ).

Three-Phase Power Triangle Calculator (kW, kVA, kVAR)
Volts
Amps
PF
Calculated Result
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Instant Calculation
Engineering Output
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Auxiliary Output
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Step-by-Step Derivation ▼ Show Steps
Governing Formula Verified Physics
P = √3 × V × I × cos(θ)  |  S = √3 × V × I  |  Q = √(S² - P²)

Calculations adhere to standard electrical engineering physics and National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) regulations.

Engineering Principles & Calculations

This calculator uses the exact mathematical relationships between Line-to-Line Voltage (V), Line Current (A), Power Factor (or phase angle θ) to determine Active Power (kW), Apparent Power (kVA), Reactive Power (kVAR), Power Factor. In practical installations, factors such as ambient raceway temperature, harmonic distortion, duty cycle continuous operation, and conductor impedance must be accounted for by a certified electrician.

Solves the complete AC Power Triangle: Real Active Power (kW), Apparent Power (kVA), Reactive Power (kVAR), and Power Factor (cos φ).

Typical Application & Industry Guidelines

Commercial plant power quality analysis, avoiding utility reactive power penalties.

Reference Matrix

Three-Phase Power Triangle Calculator (kW, kVA, kVAR) Benchmark Lookup Table

Line Current @ 480V 3-PhaseApparent (kVA)Real (kW @ 0.85 PF)Reactive (kVAR)
10 Amps8.3 kVA7.1 kW4.4 kVAR
25 Amps20.8 kVA17.7 kW10.9 kVAR
50 Amps41.6 kVA35.3 kW21.9 kVAR
100 Amps83.1 kVA70.7 kW43.8 kVAR
200 Amps166.3 kVA141.3 kW87.6 kVAR
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three components of the AC Power Triangle? +
Real Power P (measured in kW, performs mechanical work), Reactive Power Q (measured in kVAR, creates magnetic fields in coils), and Apparent Power S (measured in kVA, vector hypotenuse).
Why does reactive power matter if it doesn't do work? +
Even though reactive power does no useful work, the current producing it flows through conductors, transformers, and switchgear, causing I²R resistive heating losses and voltage drops.
How do utilities charge for low power factor? +
Commercial electric utilities bill extra demand surcharges or kVA peak penalties when customer power factor drops below 0.85 or 0.90.

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