Load Factor vs. Demand Factor vs. Diversity Factor

This page compares Load factor, Demand factor, and Diversity factor, outlining their definitions and formulas.

Load Factor

The Load Factor represents the ratio of the average load to the maximum demand over a specific period (e.g., a day, month, or year).

Formula:

Load factor = Average Demand / Maximum Demand

Because the average load is invariably less than the maximum demand, the load factor is always less than 1.

Demand Factor

The Demand Factor is the ratio of the actual maximum demand on a system to the total rated load connected to that system.

Formula:

Demand Factor = Maximum Demand / Connected Load

The demand factor is also always less than 1.

Diversity Factor

The Diversity Factor is the ratio of the sum of the individual maximum demands of all consumers supplied by a power station to the maximum demand of the power station itself.

Formula:

Diversity Factor = (Sum of Individual Max. Demand) / (Max. Demand of Power Station)