1. What is the Watts Formula?

The Watts formula calculates electrical power in watts (W) from voltage (V), current (I), and power factor (PF). It's fundamental in electrical engineering and power systems analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Watts formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The formula calculates real power in AC or DC circuits. For DC circuits or purely resistive AC loads, the power factor is 1.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for circuit design, electrical safety, energy efficiency analysis, and proper sizing of electrical components.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor (between 0 and 1). All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, 0 ≤ PF ≤ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power, representing how effectively current is converted to useful work.

Q2: When is power factor not 1?
A: In AC circuits with inductive or capacitive loads (motors, transformers, etc.), where current and voltage are out of phase.

Q3: What are typical power factor values?
A: Residential: 0.95-1.0, Industrial: 0.7-0.9. Power companies often charge penalties for low power factor.

Q4: Does this formula work for three-phase power?
A: For three-phase, multiply by √3 (line-to-line) or 3 (line-to-neutral) depending on configuration.

Q5: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). This formula gives the instantaneous power.