Three Phase Calculator

Calculate power, voltage, and current in three-phase AC systems

Calculate Three Phase Power

RMS voltage between phase and neutral

RMS current in each phase

Angle between voltage and current (degrees)

Ratio of real power to apparent power

Three Phase Power Results

0
W
Active Power
0
VA
Apparent Power
0
VAR
Reactive Power
Line Voltage:0 V
Line Current:0 A
Power Factor:1.000
Phase Angle:0°
Efficiency:0%
Connection:DELTA
System Type:Balanced 3-Phase
Frequency:50/60 Hz

Power Triangle: S² = P² + Q²

Line Relations (delta): V_line = V_ph, I_line = √3 × I_ph

Total Power: P = √3 × V_line × I_line × cos(φ)

System Analysis

Example Calculation

Industrial Motor Drive

Application: 3-phase induction motor

Connection: Delta (Δ)

Phase voltage: 400 V

Line current: 8.6 A

Power factor: 0.84

Calculation

Apparent Power: S = √3 × V_line × I_line = √3 × 400 × 8.6 = 5.96 kVA

Active Power: P = S × cos(φ) = 5.96 × 0.84 = 5.0 kW

Reactive Power: Q = S × sin(φ) = 5.96 × 0.543 = 3.24 kVAR

Phase Current: I_ph = I_line / √3 = 8.6 / 1.732 = 5.0 A

Total power delivered to motor: 5.0 kW

Three Phase Formulas

S = √3 × V_L × I_L

Apparent Power

P = S × cos(φ)

Active Power

Q = S × sin(φ)

Reactive Power

Connection Types

Star (Y) Connection

V_line = √3 × V_phase
I_line = I_phase
Neutral point available

Delta (Δ) Connection

V_line = V_phase
I_line = √3 × I_phase
No neutral point

Power Types

Active Power (P):Watts (W)
Reactive Power (Q):VAR
Apparent Power (S):VA
Power Factor:P/S

Power Factor Guide

0.95 - 1.0: Excellent

Very efficient, minimal reactive power

0.85 - 0.95: Good

Acceptable for most applications

0.70 - 0.85: Poor

Power factor correction needed

< 0.70: Very Poor

Significant efficiency losses

Understanding Three Phase Power Systems

What is Three Phase Power?

Three-phase power is a method of electrical power transmission that uses three alternating currents, each 120° out of phase with each other. This system provides constant power delivery and is more efficient than single-phase systems for large loads.

Key Advantages

  • More efficient power transmission
  • Constant instantaneous power
  • Reduced conductor material requirements
  • Better motor performance

Power Relationships

S² = P² + Q²
Power Triangle Relationship

Power Types Explained

Active Power (P): Real power that does useful work
Reactive Power (Q): Power that oscillates between source and load
Apparent Power (S): Total power supplied by source
Power Factor: cos(φ) = P/S, efficiency indicator

Note: This calculator assumes balanced three-phase systems where all phases have equal voltage magnitude and are equally spaced in time.

Applications & Use Cases

Industrial Motors

Induction motors, synchronous motors, variable frequency drives

Power Transmission

Grid transmission, distribution systems, power substations

Heavy Machinery

Pumps, compressors, elevators, HVAC systems

Design Guidelines

Power Factor Improvement

  • • Install power factor correction capacitors
  • • Use synchronous motors where possible
  • • Minimize reactive loads (inductors, transformers)
  • • Regular power quality monitoring
  • • Proper cable sizing and installation

System Efficiency

  • • Balance loads across all three phases
  • • Minimize line losses through proper conductor sizing
  • • Regular maintenance of electrical connections
  • • Use high-efficiency motors and drives
  • • Monitor harmonics and power quality