Capacity Factor Calculator
Calculate the capacity factor of a power plant by comparing actual energy output to the maximum possible output.
MWh
MW
hours
Capacity Factor
14.3 %
Maximum Possible Output17,520 MWh
Unused Capacity15,020 MWh
Capacity Factor vs Time Period
Power Plant Capacity Factor
The capacity factor measures how much energy a plant actually produces compared to its theoretical maximum if it ran at full power continuously.
Formula
Capacity Factor = Actual Output / (Rated Capacity x Hours) x 100%
Typical capacity factors: Nuclear 90-93%, Natural gas 40-60%, Wind onshore 25-45%, Solar PV 15-30%. Higher factors mean better utilization of installed capacity.
Example Calculation
A 2 MW wind turbine produces 2,500 MWh in one year (8,760 hours).
- 01Maximum output = 2 MW x 8,760 hr = 17,520 MWh
- 02Capacity factor = 2,500 / 17,520 x 100 = 14.3%
- 03Unused capacity = 17,520 - 2,500 = 15,020 MWh