Electrical Load Calculator.

Estimate total household electrical demand with our electrical load calculator.

Estimated Amps

110 A

Estimated kW

26.4 kW

Suggested Panel

200 A

Frequently asked questions.

How do I calculate electrical load?

Add up appliance amperages and apply NEC demand factors. Use the calculator — check appliances and get estimated total amps, kW, and suggested panel size.

What appliances use the most power?

HVAC (30-50A), oven (30-50A), EV charger (16-80A), dryer (30A), water heater (20-30A). The calculator shows a per-category breakdown.

How much load can a circuit handle?

Per NEC 80% rule: 15A circuit → 12A continuous, 20A → 16A, 30A → 24A. Use our Breaker Size Calculator for individual circuits.

What is connected load?

Connected load = sum of all loads. Different from demand load (which applies diversity factors). The calculator shows your connected load.

How many amps does my house use?

A typical 2,000 sq ft home uses 100-200A. Use the calculator — check appliances to see your estimated total in amps and kW.

What size service do I need?

Modern homes typically need 200A. With EV charger or pool pump, 225-400A may be needed. The calculator suggests a panel size automatically.

How do I calculate appliance load?

Each appliance has a nameplate rating in amps or watts. Convert watts ÷ voltage = amps. The calculator lists common appliances with typical ratings.

What is demand load?

Demand load applies diversity factors (not all appliances run simultaneously). NEC Article 220 provides demand factors. For a precise calculation, consult a licensed electrician.

Why is load calculation important?

Proper load calculation prevents panel overload, breaker trips, and electrical fires. Essential for new construction, renovations, and appliance additions.

How accurate is this estimate?

This provides a simplified estimate. A professional load calculation per NEC Article 220 is more precise. Consult a licensed electrician for final sizing.

How we calculate this.

Methodology

Total load sums the amperage of all checked appliances. kW is computed at 240V: kW = (Total Amps × 240) ÷ 1000. Suggested panel size applies a 125% multiplier and rounds up to the nearest standard panel size (100A, 125A, 150A, 200A, 225A, 400A).

Assumptions

  • Standard residential 240V single-phase service
  • Appliance amperages are typical nameplate ratings
  • No demand factors applied (simplified estimate)
  • For precise NEC Article 220 load calculations, consult a licensed electrician
Reviewed by ChargerLoad Editorial Team