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Power Factor Examples

These worked examples apply the power factor formula (PF = P ÷ S) and its rearrangements to find power factor, real power, and apparent power.

  1. Step 1

    A load has 850 W of real power and 1000 VA of apparent power. Find the power factor.

    PF = P ÷ S = 850 ÷ 1000 = 0.85

  2. Step 2

    A load has 2000 W of real power and 2500 VA of apparent power. Find the power factor.

    PF = P ÷ S = 2000 ÷ 2500 = 0.8

  3. Step 3

    A circuit has 1200 VA of apparent power at a power factor of 0.85. Find the real power.

    P = S × PF = 1200 × 0.85 = 1020 W

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