Electrical Power Budget Calculator

Build a multi-component average and peak electrical power budget with source limits and engineering reserve.

A component-based electrical budget for payloads, sensors, compute and communications equipment.

Start here

  1. Enter source voltage/current limits and the reserve you want to keep.
  2. Add each load with voltage, current, duty cycle and quantity, then choose Calculate.
  3. Read average and peak demand and the remaining source margins.
How to read the results

Duty cycle affects average demand. The peak comparison includes the entered component loads at their stated current.

Local calculation: values are processed in your browser. Calculation inputs are not transmitted. Optional profiles are stored only in this browser.
Optional aircraft profile: Manual values
Active profile: Manual values
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Components

Add representative electrical loads. Duty cycle is the percentage of time at the stated current.

ComponentVoltage (V)Current (A)Duty (%)QtyRemove

Planning output only. Verify assumptions and results against authoritative data, manufacturer information, approved procedures, test evidence and competent engineering or regulatory review before use.

Calculation basis

For each component, average power is voltage × current × quantity × duty cycle. Conservative peak power assumes all entered components draw their stated current simultaneously. Entered source limits are reduced by the engineering reserve before margins are calculated.

Limitations and verification

  • Does not model inrush duration, transient response, power-factor effects, regulator efficiency, cable voltage drop or thermal derating.
  • Peak simultaneity is conservative but may still miss start-up or pulse loads.
  • Verify connector, wire, fuse, regulator and source limits separately.

Version and review status

Formula set: v1.2
Staging review date: 17 August 2026
Status: Staging beta pending user acceptance and cross-browser checks.

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