Generator Size Calculator
Calculate what size generator you need by adding up wattage of essential appliances. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Generator Size = (Total Running Watts + Largest Starting Surge) x (1 + Safety Margin %)
Add up the running wattage of all appliances for the base load. Then add the single largest difference between starting watts and running watts (because motors start one at a time). Apply a 20-25% safety margin for real-world conditions, altitude loss, and future load growth.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Essential Home Backup During Storm
Problem: Size a generator for: refrigerator (150W/600W), sump pump (800W/2400W), furnace fan (700W/2100W), lights (300W), chargers (100W). Use 20% safety margin.
Solution: Total running watts = 150 + 800 + 700 + 300 + 100 = 2,050W\nLargest starting surge above running = sump pump: 2,400 - 800 = 1,600W\nPeak watts = 2,050 + 1,600 = 3,650W\nWith 20% safety margin:\nRecommended running: 2,050 x 1.20 = 2,460W\nRecommended starting: 3,650 x 1.20 = 4,380W\nMinimum generator: 3,500W running / 4,500W starting
Result: Recommended: 3,500W portable inverter generator (3.5 kW running / 4.5 kW starting)
Example 2: Extended Power Outage with Comfort Loads
Problem: Power essentials plus window AC (1200W/3600W), microwave (1000W/1000W), TV (200W/200W), and well pump (750W/2250W). 25% safety margin.
Solution: Total running = 150+800+700+300+100+1200+1000+200+750 = 5,200W\nLargest starting surge = window AC: 3,600-1,200 = 2,400W\nPeak watts = 5,200 + 2,400 = 7,600W\nWith 25% safety margin:\nRecommended running: 5,200 x 1.25 = 6,500W\nRecommended starting: 7,600 x 1.25 = 9,500W\nMinimum generator: 7,500W running / 9,500W starting
Result: Recommended: 7,500W portable conventional generator (7.5 kW running / 9.5 kW starting)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate what size generator I need?
To calculate generator size, list every appliance and device you want to power during an outage and note both the running watts and starting watts for each. Running watts is the continuous power needed to keep the appliance operating, while starting watts is the surge of power needed when a motor first starts up, typically 2-3 times the running watts. Add up all the running watts to get your base load. Then add the largest single starting watt surge to the running total to get your peak watt requirement. Finally, add a 20-25 percent safety margin to account for real-world conditions, power factor inefficiencies, and future needs. The resulting number is your minimum generator size.
What can a 5,000 watt generator run?
A 5,000-watt generator can run most essential household items during a power outage but not everything simultaneously. A typical load might include a refrigerator (150W running/600W starting), a sump pump (800W/2400W), a furnace blower (700W/2100W), several lights (300W), phone chargers (100W), and a window AC unit (1200W/3600W). The key is managing when motor-driven appliances start. You should avoid starting the sump pump and furnace blower at the same time because their combined starting surge would exceed the generator capacity. Start one appliance, let it stabilize, then start the next. A 5,000-watt generator cannot run a central air conditioner, electric water heater, or electric range, which each require 3,000-5,000+ watts on their own.
Should I get a portable or standby generator?
Portable generators cost $500-$2,500, produce 2,000-12,000 watts, run on gasoline, and require manual setup during an outage. They are best for occasional use, camping, job sites, and homes in areas with infrequent outages. Standby generators cost $3,000-$15,000 installed, produce 7,000-50,000+ watts, run on natural gas or propane, and start automatically within seconds of detecting a power outage. They are permanently installed on a concrete pad with an automatic transfer switch. If you work from home, have medical equipment that requires power, live in an area with frequent outages, or simply want seamless protection, a standby generator is worth the investment. The automatic transfer switch also prevents backfeeding, which is a serious safety hazard with portable generators.
How much fuel does a generator consume?
Generator fuel consumption depends on the load percentage and engine efficiency. As a rough rule, a generator consumes approximately 0.5-0.75 gallons of gasoline per hour for every 5,000 watts of rated capacity at 50-100 percent load. A 5,000-watt portable generator at half load uses about 0.5 gallons per hour and can run 8-10 hours on a 5-gallon tank. At full load, consumption increases to about 0.75 gallons per hour with 6-7 hours of runtime per tank. Inverter generators are more fuel-efficient because they adjust engine speed to match the load, using 20-40 percent less fuel than conventional generators at partial loads. For extended outages, keep at least 20 gallons of stabilized gasoline on hand and rotate your fuel supply every 6-12 months.
Can I run my generator in the rain or snow?
Never operate a portable generator in rain, snow, or wet conditions without proper protection, as water can damage the electrical components and create electrocution hazards. Use a generator tent, canopy, or purpose-built generator cover that allows adequate ventilation while keeping rain and snow off the unit. Never run a generator inside a garage, basement, enclosed porch, or any partially enclosed space because carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless gas that kills hundreds of people each year. Position the generator at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent with the exhaust pointing away from the house. Standby generators are permanently installed with weatherproof enclosures that are designed for all-weather operation and include proper ventilation for exhaust gases.
What is an inverter generator and do I need one?
An inverter generator produces cleaner, more stable electrical power by converting AC to DC and back to AC using electronic circuitry. This produces a pure sine wave output with less than 3 percent total harmonic distortion, compared to 10-15 percent THD from conventional generators. Inverter generators are essential for powering sensitive electronics like computers, phones, TVs, and medical equipment because the dirty power from conventional generators can damage microprocessors and circuit boards. Additional benefits include significantly quieter operation (50-60 dB versus 70-80 dB), 20-40 percent better fuel efficiency through automatic engine speed adjustment, and lighter weight for easier portability. The downside is higher cost per watt and lower maximum power output, typically maxing out around 7,000 watts for portable models.