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Calculator

Can I Run This on My Inverter?

Compare the AC devices you want to run at the same time with your inverter's continuous and peak output ratings. The results show whether your loads stay within or exceed the watt limits you enter. Use the inverter's manual for its ratings and each device's label, manual, or measurements for running and startup watts.

Not sure what to enter? Read the step-by-step guide.

Your inputs

What gets replaced?

Compatible fields are replaced with values from your saved setup, including blanks. Capacity values and units are replaced together where supported. Other fields stay unchanged. You can undo the replacement until you manually change one of the replaced fields. Edit My Setup

Your inverter ratings

Use the inverter's continuous AC output rating in watts for your expected operating conditions. Do not use its VA rating or DC input power.

Check how long your inverter can sustain this peak. This calculator compares watts only.

Devices you want to run

AC device 1

Startup power is the device's total power draw while starting, not extra watts to add to its running power. If the device has no startup surge, enter its running watts in both fields.

Include only devices powered by this inverter at the same time. Enter each device's total startup watts, or repeat its running watts if it has no startup surge. No appliance wattages are assumed.

Inverter comparison

How your loads compare

Compared with the watt ratings you entered.

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While devices are running

One device starts at a time

All devices start together

Enter your inverter ratings and the AC loads you want to run together.

This comparison does not confirm that the system will operate safely or correctly. Check surge duration, watt and VA/current limits, output voltage and waveform, and temperature derating. Also confirm that the battery, battery management system (BMS), and wiring can supply the inverter's required DC input. It does not cover shore power or generators.

Edit your inputs
See calculation details, assumptions and sources

The Inverter Size Calculator method supplies three load figures: continuous W = sum of quantity × running W; peak with one device starting (W) = continuous W + largest (startup W − running W); and peak with all devices starting together (W) = sum of quantity × startup W. Startup W is the total draw of one device while starting, not an extra amount.

This page compares continuous W with the inverter's entered continuous W rating, then compares each startup scenario with its entered peak W rating. A load equal to the entered rating is shown as being at the limit. For example, 1,400 W running and 2,600 W starting against an inverter rated 2,000 W continuous and 3,000 W peak are 600 W below continuous and 400 W below peak. Check that the inverter can sustain the required startup power for the device's startup duration.

Enter real AC watts on both sides; VA is not interchangeable with W when power factor differs from one. Use the ratings that apply at your operating temperature and check peak duration in the inverter's manual. These W thresholds do not test AC voltage/frequency, current, waveform, or battery-side current. For a generator's running and starting ratings, use the generator check.

References: Victron Inverter VE.Direct 120V manual gives continuous and peak W with time limits; Victron inverter selection guidance explains VA versus W, temperature derating, and battery support. See the site methodology.