How is Power Factor calculated?

Power Factor is calculated by taking the total real power (measured in watts) consumed in a circuit and dividing it by the product of the voltage (in volts) and the current (in amperes). This calculation gives you a dimensionless number that reflects the efficiency of power usage in an electrical system.

The formula can be expressed as:

Power Factor (PF) = Real Power (W) / (Voltage (V) x Current (A))

When power factor is less than 1, it indicates that the current is not being used efficiently. A power factor of 1 (or 100%) means all the power supplied by the source is being effectively converted into useful work. This has significant implications for energy costs and the design of electrical systems, as a low power factor can lead to increased energy losses and reduced capacity for the electrical infrastructure.

The other options presented do not accurately represent the calculation of power factor. Watts multiplied by volts would provide a measurement of volt-amperes, but does not relate to the efficiency of power use. Dividing volts by amperes yields the voltage, and simply multiplying amperes by volts provides the apparent power and does not factor in efficiency. Therefore, the correct calculation underscores the relationship between actual power use