Motor Starter Size Calculator

Estimate motor starter size from motor horsepower, full-load amps, voltage, phase type, service factor, overload class, starter type, and starting method. This calculator helps estimate contactor size, overload range, starter amp rating, starting amps, and starter planning values.

Calculate Motor Starter Size

Motor starter size is commonly selected from motor full-load amps, voltage, horsepower rating, service factor, overload setting, and starter type.
Your result will appear here.

How the motor starter size calculator works

Motor current:
The calculator estimates full-load amps from horsepower, kW, watts, or entered nameplate amps.

Starter sizing:
It applies service factor, overload setting, and starter duty margin to estimate a planning starter amp size.

Starting load:
Startup multiplier and starting method are used to estimate starting amps and starting kVA.

Why use a motor starter size calculator?

A motor starter size calculator helps estimate starter amp rating, overload setting, contactor size, and starting current before selecting equipment.

It can help with pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, HVAC motors, shop equipment, industrial loads, manual starters, magnetic starters, soft starters, and VFD planning.

What your result means

Your result shows estimated starter amp size, full-load amps, overload setting, overload range, contactor planning size, starting amps, starting kVA, motor horsepower, kW, voltage, phase type, and starter duty notes.

Motor starter size calculator formulas

Frequently asked questions

How do I size a motor starter?

Motor starters are commonly selected using motor horsepower, voltage, phase, full-load amps, starter type, duty rating, and manufacturer starter tables.

Is overload size the same as starter size?

No. The starter includes switching equipment such as a contactor, while overload protection is adjusted or selected to protect the motor from sustained overload.

Should I use calculated amps or motor nameplate amps?

For real installations, use motor nameplate full-load amps and the starter manufacturer’s selection charts.

Can this calculator replace a manufacturer starter chart?

No. This calculator gives a planning estimate. Final starter, overload, fuse, breaker, conductor, disconnect, and controller selection must follow code, nameplate data, and manufacturer instructions.