Can target power factor be lower than initial?
For correction sizing here, target PF must be greater than the initial PF and no more than 1.
MAXScanner calculator
Power Factor Correction Calculator — Required Capacitor kVAR
Calculate ideal capacitor reactive power needed to move a real-power load from an initial to a target displacement power factor.
Result
42.132 kVAR
From PF 0.8 to 0.95 at 100 kW
Ideal displacement-PF correction target; not a capacitor-bank specification.
Formula and worked example
Qc(kVAR)=P(kW)×[tan(acos(PF1))−tan(acos(PF2))].
100 kW from PF 0.80 to 0.95 requires about 42.13 kVAR in the ideal sinusoidal displacement-PF model.
Assumptions
- Uses displacement power factor and a simplified sinusoidal power triangle.
- Harmonics, resonance, switching steps and utility rules require engineering review.
Last updated: 2026-09-16
Frequently asked questions
Is calculated kVAR a final capacitor-bank specification?
No. It is an ideal reactive-power target, not a complete bank design.