Quick answer: A typical home's simultaneous running load is 50-75 A; on a 200A panel with 160A headroom (80% rule), you have 85-110A available for solar, EV chargers, or new circuits.
Home Load Calculator
Add up your home's electrical loads in amps and kW. Useful before adding solar, EVs, or new circuits.
Peak demand uses simultaneous running load plus the single largest startup event. This is a planning shortcut, not a formal NEC service calculation.
Size individual circuit breakers →How we calculate home electrical load
The calculator sums the running loads of all appliances you select, then adds the largest single motor startup event to estimate a realistic planning peak. Loads that don't run simultaneously are excluded from the demand calculation.
Available panel headroom is the panel's NEC 80% limit minus estimated demand load. Keep demand load below 80% of your panel's rating for safe expansion room.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find the amps for my appliances?
- Check the nameplate on the appliance or look up the model number online. The calculator pre-fills typical values for common appliances.
- What is demand load?
- Demand load is the actual power drawn during a specific period, accounting for the fact that not all appliances run simultaneously. It's always less than total connected load.
- How much headroom should I have?
- A 200A panel with a 160A continuous load limit (NEC 80% rule) leaves headroom for unexpected loads and future additions. General guidance: keep demand load below 80% of your panel's rating.
Reviewed April 2026
Methodology and source note
PowerSizing calculators use shared formulas, documented assumptions, and current planning inputs that are summarized on the methodology page. Use these tools for first-pass planning, comparison, and sanity checks, then confirm local code, pricing, utility tariff, and installer specifics before you buy equipment.