Residential Electrical Load Calculator
Determine the total electrical load for your home using the NEC Article 220 standard calculation method. Enter your home's square footage and major appliances to calculate the minimum service panel size needed.
Home Details
Major Appliances (watts)
Full Breakdown
General Lighting Load
Small Appliance Circuits
Laundry Circuit(s)
General Load (after demand)
Range (NEC Table 220.55)
Major Appliances
AC / Heating
Total Demand Load
Total Amps
Recommended Service
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your home's total living area in square feet.
- Enter wattage for each major appliance (check nameplates or manuals).
- Set the number of small appliance and laundry circuits (NEC minimum: 2 and 1).
- Click "Calculate Load" for your total demand and service recommendation.
The Formula
General Lighting = Sq Ft × 3 VA/sq ft
Small Appliance = Circuits × 1,500 VA each
Laundry = Circuits × 1,500 VA each
General Load Demand: First 3,000 VA at 100%, remainder at 35%
Range Demand: Per NEC Table 220.55 (8 kW for ≤12 kW rated)
Other Appliances: 100% of nameplate
Total Amps = Total Watts ÷ Service Voltage
Small Appliance = Circuits × 1,500 VA each
Laundry = Circuits × 1,500 VA each
General Load Demand: First 3,000 VA at 100%, remainder at 35%
Range Demand: Per NEC Table 220.55 (8 kW for ≤12 kW rated)
Other Appliances: 100% of nameplate
Total Amps = Total Watts ÷ Service Voltage
This follows the NEC Article 220 Standard Calculation method for single-family dwellings. Always have a licensed electrician verify before upgrading your panel.