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

  1. Select system type: 3-phase (A/B/C) or single-phase 2-wire (L1/L2).
  2. Click "Add Load" to add a row for each circuit or appliance.
  3. Enter the load name and wattage for each row.
  4. Assign each load to a phase using the dropdown.
  5. Read the per-phase totals and imbalance percentage in the results panel.
  6. 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