Per Unit Impedance Calculator

Convert ohms and percent values into per‑unit results. Handle base changes for new voltage levels. Download tables, share PDFs, and document calculations confidently always.

Calculator
Enter known data and compute per‑unit impedance
Choose how you want to compute the result.
Used to compute Zbase in ohms.
Three‑phase power base.
Choose how the impedance is provided.
Use 6 for 6% impedance.
If known, splits resistance accurately.
If known, splits reactance accurately.
Used when only %Z and ratio are known.
Choose how the old per‑unit is provided.
Reset

Why per‑unit helps in construction projects
Per‑unit values simplify coordination studies and equipment checks across multiple voltage levels. They make impedances comparable for feeders, transformers, and generator sources.
Formula used
Core equations behind the calculator
  • Zbase (ohm) = (kVLL2) / MVA
  • Zpu = Zactual / Zbase
  • |Zpu| = √(Rpu2 + Xpu2)
  • ∠Zpu = atan2(Xpu, Rpu) (degrees)
  • Zpu,new = Zpu,old · (Snew/Sold) · (Vold/Vnew)2
Notes
  • Use kV line‑to‑line and three‑phase MVA for consistency.
  • Percent impedance converts by Zpu = %Z / 100.
  • If only %Z is known, Rpu is assumed 0 and Xpu = Zpu.
How to use
Steps for fast, reliable inputs
  1. Select a calculation mode that matches your data.
  2. Enter base values in kV (L‑L) and MVA when needed.
  3. Provide impedance as R/X, or as magnitude and angle.
  4. Press Calculate to show results above the form.
  5. Export CSV for spreadsheets or PDF for submissions.
Example data table
Sample inputs and computed outputs
Base kV Base MVA R (ohm) X (ohm) Zbase (ohm) Rpu Xpu |Zpu| Angle (deg)
11 10 0.15 0.75 12.1 0.012397 0.061983 0.063211 78.690068
Example uses 11 kV, 10 MVA, R=0.15 Ω, X=0.75 Ω.
Article
Planning notes for per‑unit impedance work

Per‑Unit Base Selection for Site Power Systems

Per‑unit work starts by choosing a consistent base for the project. A common practice is 1 MVA or 10 MVA for distribution studies, paired with the nominal line‑to‑line voltage at each bus. From that base, the calculator computes Zbase = kV²/MVA, letting every feeder and transformer be compared on the same scale. Consistency matters more than the specific base value. on site.

Typical Impedance Ranges Seen in Building Equipment

In commercial construction, transformer nameplate impedance often falls around 4–8% for many dry‑type and oil‑filled units, while larger utility‑style units can differ by design. Cable and busway segments add mostly reactance at higher voltages, and resistance becomes more visible on long low‑voltage runs. Tracking Rpu and Xpu separately helps estimate X/R ratio, which influences peak fault current and protective device duty.

Converting Nameplate Percent Impedance into Network Models

Percent impedance is simply per‑unit magnitude: Zpu = %Z/100. If you also know R% and X%, the calculator converts them directly into Rpu and Xpu for more realistic studies. When only %Z is available, assuming Rpu ≈ 0 is a conservative simplification for many short‑circuit calculations, but it can understate heating losses. Adding an X/R ratio improves the split when vendor data includes it.

Using Per‑Unit Results for Fault and Voltage‑Drop Checks

Per‑unit values streamline short‑circuit and voltage‑drop checks because the same arithmetic applies across voltage levels. After you obtain Zpu, you can combine series elements by summing Rpu and Xpu, then convert back to ohms on any chosen base if needed. Smaller |Zpu| usually means higher available fault current, while larger Rpu raises I²R losses and affects conductor temperature rise on long feeders.

Base Changes When Moving Between Voltage Levels

Projects often mix 33 kV, 11 kV, and 400/230 V sections, so base conversion is essential. The calculator applies Zpu,new = Zpu,old·(Snew/Sold)·(Vold/Vnew)², preserving the physical impedance while changing the reference. This step is helpful when a transformer vendor provides data on one base, but your coordination study uses another. Always keep voltage bases line‑to‑line and three‑phase MVA.

FAQs
Common questions for field and design checks

What base values should I use for a mixed‑voltage project?

Pick one MVA base for the study and use each bus’s nominal line‑to‑line voltage as its kV base. The per‑unit system stays consistent as long as every element is converted to the same chosen bases.

Can I enter impedance in polar form?

Yes. Select the polar option and provide magnitude and angle. The calculator converts to R and X internally, then reports both rectangular and magnitude‑angle results in per‑unit.

How do I interpret a 6% impedance transformer?

Six percent means |Zpu| = 0.06 on the transformer’s base. Lower values generally allow higher fault current, while higher values limit fault current but increase voltage drop under load.

Why does X/R ratio matter for breakers?

X/R affects the DC offset and peak asymmetrical current during faults. Higher X/R can increase peak duty on breakers and fuses even when the symmetrical RMS value is unchanged.

When should I use the base‑change mode?

Use it whenever a datasheet or model is referenced to a different MVA or kV base than your study. Converting bases prevents mixing incompatible per‑unit values in the same network.

Does per‑unit replace detailed thermal design?

No. Per‑unit supports electrical coordination, fault, and comparative studies. Conductor sizing, derating, and temperature rise still require code‑based thermal checks and manufacturer limits.

Related Calculators

After diversity calculatorSpare capacity calculatorDisplacement PF calculatorTrue PF calculatorPF penalty calculatorPF improvement calculatorPF target calculatorBranch voltage drop calculatorMotor voltage drop calculatorDrop limit calculator

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.