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Demand Factor Calculator

Work out demand factor instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Demand Factor Calculator

Demand factor is maximum demand divided by connected load and shows how much of the installed capacity is ever used at once. Load factor is average load divided by maximum demand and shows how peaky the profile is — a low load factor means expensive capacity sitting idle most of the time.

Formula

Demand and load factor

demand factor = max demand / connected load; load factor = average load / max demand

Worked example

With the default values below, Demand Factor Calculator returns Demand factor of 0.6500. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Connected load
240 kW
Measured maximum demand
156 kW
Hours in the period
730 h
Energy consumed
68,000 kWh

Results

Demand factor
0.6500
Load factor
59.71% %
Average load
93.15 kW
Capacity utilisation
38.81% %

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Demand and load factor
  3. 3Demand factor= 0.6500
  4. 4Load factor= 59.71 %
  5. 5Average load= 93.15 kW
  6. 6Capacity utilisation= 38.81 %

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation or tax into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Electrical results are planning estimates only. Verify against the applicable wiring rules (IEC 60364, BS 7671, NEC or local code) and have all installation work designed and checked by a qualified electrician.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Electrical results are planning estimates only. Verify against the applicable wiring rules (IEC 60364, BS 7671, NEC or local code) and have all installation work designed and checked by a qualified electrician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which factor affects my bill?

Load factor. Capacity or demand charges are set by the peak, so a spiky profile pays for capacity it rarely uses.

What is a typical demand factor?

0.5-0.7 for offices, 0.7-0.85 for continuous industrial processes, and as low as 0.3 for buildings with many intermittent loads.

Related Calculators

Demand Factor Calculator | Calcrivo