Running Watts Calculator

Calculate Running Watts



Formula

The formula to calculate the Running Watts is:

\[ RW = V \times I \]

Where:

What is Running Watts?

Running watts, also known as continuous watts, refer to the amount of power a device or appliance needs to function under normal operation. This is the standard measure of a generator’s capacity to deliver power. Running watts are calculated by multiplying the voltage by the current (in amperes) that a device uses when it is running normally.

For example, if a device operates at 120 volts and uses 10 amperes, it would require 1200 running watts. It’s important to note that some devices may require more power to start up (known as starting watts or peak watts) than they do to continue running, so it’s crucial to consider both running and starting watts when determining the power needs for a device or a set of devices.

Example Calculation 1

Let's assume the following values:

Using the formula:

\[ RW = 120 \times 10 = 1200 \]

The Running Watts is 1200 watts.

Example Calculation 2

Let's assume the following values:

Using the formula:

\[ RW = 230 \times 5 = 1150 \]

The Running Watts is 1150 watts.