Measurement · Definition
Capacity factor
The share of electricity a generator actually produced compared with what it could have produced at continuous full capacity over the same period.
In plain languageThe share of electricity a generator actually produced compared with what it could have produced at continuous full capacity over the same period.
- Category
- Measurement
- Primary reference
- U.S. Energy Information Administration
Why it matters
How this term helps you read grid data
Capacity factor helps compare utilization across technologies and facilities. It requires generation over time, not capacity alone.
Example
Capacity factor in practice
A 100 MW plant producing 438,000 MWh in a non-leap year has a 50% capacity factor.
Reference
Check the primary source
US Grid Explorer paraphrases agency terminology for clarity. Consult the agency reference for formal definitions and current regulatory usage.
U.S. Energy Information Administration →