How do I calculate home electrical load?

Add the wattage of all major appliances and divide by voltage (240V for US service) to get total amps. A typical home uses 100-200 amps.

Do I need a 100 amp or 200 amp panel?

Most modern homes need at least 200 amp service. 100 amp is sufficient only for small homes or apartments without electric heat, large AC, or EV charging.

How many amps does a typical house use?

Average US home peak demand is 100-150 amps. Homes with electric vehicle charging, electric heating, and large AC systems may need 200-400 amps.

What is demand factor in electrical load calculation?

Demand factor recognizes that not all loads run simultaneously. NEC Article 220 allows applying demand factors to reduce calculated load for large dwellings.

How much does it cost to upgrade from 100 to 200 amp service?

Upgrading from 100A to 200A electrical service typically costs $1,500-$4,000 depending on location, the need for utility work, and whether the meter base needs replacement.

Electrical Load Calculator — Panel Size Guide

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Quick Answer

To calculate home electrical load, add the wattage of all major appliances and divide by 240V (for US residential service) to get total amps. Most modern homes with electric heat or EV charging need 200-amp service; anything over 160A suggests upgrading from 100A.

Use the Electrical Load Calculator below to get instant results.

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Electrical Load Calculator

Add home appliances to calculate total electrical load and get a panel size recommendation.

Click appliances to add them to your load calculation:

System Voltage:

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Cite This Tool

Electrical Load Calculator. (2026). Electrical Calculators Online. Retrieved from https://electricalcalcpro.com/electrical-load-calculator/

Electrical Load Calculator

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