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UPS Size Calculator
Estimate the UPS output watts and apparent power class you should look for, based on equipment load and headroom.
Result
Look for a UPS rated at least 750 W output and about 950 VA or higher based on the selected PF estimate.
Using PF 0.8 as an estimate
Check both the manufacturer watt rating and VA rating. A given VA class does not always have one matching watt rating.
How this was calculated
- Required output watts = load watts × (1 + headroom percent ÷ 100).
- Estimated VA = required output watts ÷ power factor.
- If you do not enter a power factor, 0.8 is used as a conservative estimate — not every load has PF 0.8.
- The VA shopping floor is rounded up to the next 50 VA. Manufacturer VA and watt ratings still have to be checked separately.
Limitations
- This sizes output capacity, not battery runtime. Runtime depends on the UPS battery system and the manufacturer load curve.
- Startup and inrush loads may need additional margin beyond the headroom you enter.
- This is conservative sizing guidance, not electrical-safety or installation advice.
Related guides
How Many VA Do I Need in a UPS?
Calculate the UPS capacity you need by totaling your equipment’s watts, converting watts to VA using power factor, and adding practical headroom. A UPS must meet both its VA and watt limits, while runtime requires a separate battery check.
Read guideUPS Sizing Calculator: Watts, VA and Runtime
Size a UPS systematically by adding the protected load, converting between watts and VA, allowing headroom, and checking runtime separately. This guide includes a worked example and a practical UPS sizing checklist.
Read guideRelated glossary
VA
VA means volt-amperes, a measure of apparent power. It describes the electrical capacity a product can handle, but it is not the same as watts, which measure real power.
Learn morepower factor
Power factor compares real power used by a load with the apparent power supplied to it. A value closer to 1 generally means the equipment uses supplied electrical capacity more effectively.
Learn morepure sine wave
Pure sine wave is an AC output waveform that closely follows utility power. It can be important for equipment that requires, or works better with, a smooth and consistent waveform.
Learn moreBrowse UPS