Generator Size Calculator
List the appliances you want to run with their running and starting watts. The calculator adds up the running load, finds the peak when the biggest motor starts, applies a safety margin and suggests a generator size.
Starting watts are optional (use the running watts if the item has no motor). Use “2 x Heater, 1500” for quantities.
10-25% is common to avoid running at full load
How to use the Generator Size Calculator
- List your appliances, one per line: name, running watts, starting watts.
- Use the label or manual for exact watts, or the typical values in the reference table.
- Set a safety margin (20% is a good default).
- Read the recommended size and the starting watts the generator must handle.
- Copy or download your load list.
Typical appliance wattage (estimates)
Use your appliance's label whenever possible. These are common ballpark figures; actual values vary by model.
| Appliance | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator / freezer | 600-800 | 1,800-2,200 |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1,000-1,050 | 2,000-2,200 |
| Furnace fan (1/3 hp) | 700 | 1,400 |
| Window air conditioner (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 | 3,600 |
| Central air conditioner (3 ton) | 3,500-4,000 | 10,000+ |
| Well pump (1 hp) | 1,000 | 2,000-4,000 |
| Microwave (1,000 W) | 1,000 | — |
| Space heater | 1,500 | — |
| Electric water heater | 4,000-4,500 | — |
| Television | 100-250 | — |
| LED light bulb | 8-15 each | — |
| Laptop / phone charger | 20-100 | — |
The sizing method
- Running load = sum of the running watts of everything on at the same time.
- Peak load = running load + (starting − running watts) of the item with the biggest surge.
- Add a margin: multiply both by 1.1 to 1.25.
- Pick a generator whose rated (running) watts ≥ the running requirement and whose starting watts ≥ the peak requirement.
Safety: run portable generators outdoors only, far from doors and windows, because exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Connect a generator to home wiring only through a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what size generator I need?
Add the running watts of everything you want to run at the same time. Then find the appliance with the largest difference between starting and running watts and add that extra surge. Choose a generator whose running watts cover the total and whose starting watts cover the peak, plus a safety margin.
What is the difference between running and starting watts?
Running (rated) watts are what an appliance uses continuously. Motors and compressors, such as fridges, pumps and air conditioners, need two to three times more power for a second or two when they start. Those are the starting or surge watts.
Why add only the largest starting surge?
Motors rarely start at exactly the same moment, so the usual method adds the biggest single surge on top of the total running load. If several motors may start together, enter higher starting watts or a larger margin.
How big a safety margin should I use?
A margin of 10 to 25% is common. Generators run more efficiently and last longer below full load, and it leaves room for items you forget. Many manufacturers recommend not running continuously above about 80-90% of rated output.
Where do I find the wattage of an appliance?
Check the nameplate or manual. If only amps are listed, multiply amps by volts (for example 5 A × 120 V = 600 W). Starting watts are often not listed; motors typically need 2 to 3 times their running watts to start.
What size generator runs a house?
Essentials like a fridge, sump pump, furnace fan, lights and electronics usually fit a 5,000-7,500 W portable generator. Running central air, an electric water heater or an electric range typically needs 15,000-22,000 W or more, often a standby unit installed with a transfer switch by an electrician.