Generator Sizing Charts
Quick reference charts to help you determine the right generator size for your needs.
Quick Reference Charts
Residential Generator Sizing Chart
| Generator Size |
Home Size |
Typical Coverage |
Recommended For |
| 7,000W - 9,000W |
Up to 1,500 sq ft |
Essential circuits only |
Basic backup power for small homes |
| 10,000W - 12,000W |
1,500 - 2,500 sq ft |
Essential + some comfort |
Medium homes with basic HVAC |
| 14,000W - 16,000W |
2,500 - 3,500 sq ft |
Most circuits |
Large homes with full HVAC |
| 20,000W - 24,000W |
3,500+ sq ft |
Whole house |
Luxury homes with all amenities |
Portable Generator Usage Chart
| Generator Size |
Best For |
Typical Appliances |
Example Uses |
| 2,000W - 3,000W |
Camping, Recreation |
Lights, Chargers, Small Appliances |
Camping trips, Tailgating |
| 3,000W - 4,000W |
RV, Small Tools |
RV AC, Basic Power Tools |
RV camping, Light construction |
| 5,000W - 7,500W |
Home Backup, Job Site |
Essential Home Circuits, Heavy Tools |
Emergency home backup, Construction |
| 8,000W - 10,000W |
Large Loads |
Multiple Power Tools, Large Appliances |
Professional construction, Large events |
Commercial/Industrial Generator Chart
| Generator Size |
Application Type |
Typical Load Coverage |
Industry Examples |
| 20kW - 50kW |
Small Commercial |
Small office, Retail store |
Small shops, Restaurants |
| 50kW - 150kW |
Medium Commercial |
Medium office building |
Medical offices, Small warehouses |
| 150kW - 300kW |
Large Commercial |
Large retail, Small industrial |
Supermarkets, Small factories |
| 300kW - 1MW+ |
Industrial |
Manufacturing, Data centers |
Factories, Hospitals |
Common Appliance Starting & Running Wattage Chart
| Appliance Category |
Device |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
| Kitchen |
Refrigerator |
700 |
2,200 |
| Microwave |
1,000 |
1,000 |
| Coffee Maker |
1,000 |
1,000 |
| Electric Range (per element) |
1,500 |
1,500 |
| Dishwasher |
1,500 |
3,000 |
| HVAC |
Central AC (3 ton) |
3,500 |
10,500 |
| Window AC |
1,200 |
3,600 |
| Electric Heat Pump |
4,700 |
14,100 |
| Furnace Fan |
800 |
2,400 |
| Water Systems |
Water Heater |
4,000 |
4,000 |
| Well Pump (1 HP) |
1,000 |
3,000 |
| Sump Pump |
800 |
2,400 |
| Electronics |
TV (LED) |
100 |
100 |
| Computer |
300 |
300 |
| Game Console |
200 |
200 |
| Home Security System |
100 |
100 |
Voltage and Amperage Reference Chart
| Circuit Type |
Voltage |
Max Amps |
Max Watts |
| Standard Household |
120V |
15A |
1,800W |
| Standard Household |
120V |
20A |
2,400W |
| Heavy Duty |
240V |
30A |
7,200W |
| Heavy Duty |
240V |
50A |
12,000W |
List of the Top 10 Best Generators:
| # |
Image |
Product |
Link |
| 1 |
|
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered
|
View on Amazon
|
| 2 |
|
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered
|
View on Amazon
|
| 3 |
|
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 13000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Electric Start-Home Back Up, Blue/Gray
|
View on Amazon
|
| 4 |
|
Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Transfer Switch Ready 30A Outlet, RV Ready 30A Outlet, CO Sensor
|
View on Amazon
|
| 5 |
|
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station,1070Wh LiFePO4 Battery,1500W AC/100W USB-C Output, 1 Hr Fast Charge, Solar Generator for Outdoor Camping,Emergency, RV, Off-Grid Living
|
View on Amazon
|
| 6 |
|
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station Delta 2, 1024Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) Battery, 1800W AC/100W USB-C Output, Solar Generator(Solar Panel Optional) for Home Backup Power, Camping & RVs
|
View on Amazon
|
| 7 |
|
Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station, 1800W (Peak 2400W) Solar Generator, Full Charge in 58 Min, 1056wh LiFePO4 Battery for Home Backup, Power Outages, and Outdoor Camping (Optional Solar Panel)
|
View on Amazon
|
| 8 |
|
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2 Max, 2400W LFP Solar Generator, Full Charge in 1 Hr, 2048Wh Solar Powered Generator for Home Backup(Solar Panel Optional)
|
View on Amazon
|
| 9 |
|
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station, 2042Wh LiFePO4 Home Backup Battery, 2200W Solar Generator with 20ms UPS, USB-C PD 100W Fast Charging for Emergencies, Power Outages, Outdoor Camping
|
View on Amazon
|
| 10 |
|
BLUETTI AC200L Portable Power Station, 2048Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup, Expandable to 8192Wh w/ 4 2400W AC Outlets (3600W Power Lifting), 30A RV Output, Solar Generator for Camping, Home Use, Emergency
|
View on Amazon
|
How to Use These Charts?
Step-by-Step Guide
- Determine Your Usage Type:
- Residential backup power
- Portable/recreational use
- Commercial/industrial application
- Identify Critical Loads:
- List essential appliances
- Note both running and starting watts
- Consider simultaneous operation
- Calculate Total Requirements:
- Add running watts for simultaneous loads
- Account for highest starting watt requirement
- Add 20% safety margin
- Match to Generator Size:
- Use appropriate chart based on usage type
- Consider future expansion needs
- Verify voltage requirements
Important Considerations
- Climate Factors:
- Altitude derating (3.5% per 1,000 ft above 3,000 ft)
- Temperature effects on performance
- Seasonal load variations
- Installation Requirements:
- Local codes and permits
- Professional installation needs
- Transfer switch specifications
- Operational Factors:
- Fuel availability and storage
- Maintenance requirements
- Noise restrictions