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Calcimator

Event Power Calculator

Calculate total power requirements for events including lighting, sound, catering, generator sizing, and circuit counts.

Inputs

Results

With 20% Margin

15,600W

≈ 16 microwaves

Generator Size (kW)

19.5 kW

≈ 20 microwaves

Total Power (watts)13,000W
Amps at 120V130A
Amps at 208V (3-phase)75A
Generator Size (kVA)24.4 kVA
20A Circuits Needed9
Fuel Use (gal/hr)1.37
Amps240V65
Circuits30A6
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Lighting (watts), Sound System (watts), Catering (watts), and Misc Equipment (watts).
  2. Review Total Watts and the Safety Margin added for generator headroom.
  3. Check recommended Generator Size (kW) — select the next standard size above the calculated need.
  4. Verify the generator can handle motor starting loads (typically 2-3x running watts for motors).
  5. Confirm the generator's amperage output matches your distribution panel requirements.

How the result changes with Lighting (watts)

Lighting (watts)With 20% MarginGenerator Size (kW)
50,00069,600W87 kW
175,000219,600W274.5 kW
325,000399,600W499.5 kW
450,000549,600W687 kW

What each input means

Lighting (watts)
Total wattage for all lighting (stage lights, par cans, movers)
Sound System (watts)
Total wattage for all audio equipment
Catering (watts)
Chafing dishes, coffee makers, refrigeration, ovens
Misc Equipment (watts)
Projectors, laptops, chargers, fans, HVAC supplements

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Lighting (watts) = 5000, Sound System (watts) = 3000, Catering (watts) = 4000, Misc Equipment (watts) = 1000 = 4 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate With 20% Margin
    With 20% Margin
    15600 = 15600
  3. Calculate Generator Size
    Generator Size
    19.5 = 19.5
  4. Calculate Total Power
    Total Power
    13000 = 13000
  5. Calculate Amps at 120V
    Amps at 120V
    130 = 130

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