Electrical Reference

Three-Phase Formulas

Power, current, voltage, power factor, and efficiency relationships.

Use line-to-line voltage and the √3 factor for balanced three-phase power relationships.

01

Core relationships

  • kVA = √3 × V × I ÷ 1,000.
  • kW = kVA × power factor.
  • Motor output estimate also includes efficiency.
02

Inputs

  • Confirm line-to-line voltage, balanced current, power factor, and whether values are RMS.
03

Common mistakes

  • Mixing line-to-neutral and line-to-line voltage.
  • Omitting power factor or efficiency.
04

Verify

  • Compare calculated power to nameplate and measured phase balance.