Electrical Load Balance Calculator
Add loads, assign each to a phase, and instantly see per-phase wattage and the imbalance percentage for single-phase 2-leg or 3-phase systems.
System Type
Loads
Load Name
Watts
Phase
Load Imbalance
—
No data
0%
5%
10%+
Imbalance = (max phase − min phase) ÷ avg phase × 100 (NEMA definition). Target: <5% residential, <2% commercial.
Per-Phase Summary
Total System Load
0 W
Summary
Add loads, assign each to a phase, and instantly see per-phase wattage and the imbalance percentage for single-phase 2-leg or 3-phase systems.
How it works
- Select system type: 3-phase (A/B/C) or single-phase 2-wire (L1/L2).
- Click "Add Load" to add a row for each circuit or appliance.
- Enter the load name and wattage for each row.
- Assign each load to a phase using the dropdown.
- Read the per-phase totals and imbalance percentage in the results panel.
- Aim for imbalance below 5% for residential and below 2% for commercial systems.
Use cases
- Balance branch circuits across a 3-phase commercial or industrial panel.
- Check phase imbalance before commissioning a new electrical installation.
- Plan load distribution when adding new equipment to an existing panel.
- Verify that a single-phase 2-wire service has roughly equal legs.
- Document load balance for permit or inspection requirements.
- Identify which phase is overloaded so circuits can be moved.
- Optimize generator load distribution to reduce fuel consumption.
- Teach electrician apprentices about phase balancing principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: 2026-07-01 ·
Reviewed by Nham Vu