---
description: "What is Power Factor (PF): It measures how efficiently you use electrical power and is usually shown as a percentage."
title: What is Power Factor (PF)? - Energy Theory
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# What is Power Factor (PF)?

By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)November 17, 20232 Mins Read

![Jan 23 what is Power Factor (PF)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Jan-23-what-is-Power-Factor-PF-1024x683.jpg "What is Power Factor (PF)?")

Power factor (PF) measures **how efficiently you use electrical power.** It is usually shown as a percentage, and a lower percentage means less efficient power usage.

To understand the power factor, you compare two types of power: working power (in kilowatts, or kW) and apparent power (in kilovolt amperes, or kVA). Apparent power is the amount of power needed to operate machinery and equipment over a period of time. You can calculate it by multiplying voltage (V) by current (A), and the result is given in kVA.

The formula for calculating power factor (PF) is:

Power Factor (PF) = **Real Power (kW) / Apparent Power (kVA)**

Alternatively, it can be expressed as:

PF = Cosine (θ)

where θ represents the phase angle between the voltage and current waveforms.

### **How to Measure Power Factor (PF)**

Here are different methods for measuring power factor:

- **Using a wattmeter:** The power factor can be calculated by dividing the real power (in watts) by the apparent power (voltage multiplied by current).
- **Using logging devices on equipment:** Logging devices can be installed on equipment to measure power factor over time. This helps in understanding power factor variations and trends.
- **Using an oscilloscope:** [An oscilloscope is a preferred tool](https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/oscilloscope) for visualizing and measuring power factor in real-world electrical systems. It can also help determine the contribution of individual devices like motors.
- **Using specialized measurement and logging equipment on individual circuits:** In certain cases, more advanced equipment is utilized to measure power factor on specific circuits. These devices provide detailed information about power factor characteristics and behavior.

### **What is the Importance of Knowing the Power Factor (PF)?**

Power factor (PF) is an essential concept to grasp because it **helps you gauge the efficiency of an electrical system.** It is the ratio of the actual power used (true power) to the total power supplied (apparent power), which shows how much of the supplied power is effectively doing useful work.

**Must Read:** [What is Peak Load?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-peak-load/)

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[Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)

Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference.

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