stage lighting power calculator

how many circuits does this rig actually need?

fixtures
total connected—
total amps—
circuits needed—
left on last circuit—

amps = watts ÷ volts · circuits = ceil(total ÷ (V × A × 0.8))

planning math, not an electrician. led rigs draw less than their rated peak but inrush is real — and movers with motors don't behave like resistors. when in doubt, ask your electrician.

about this calculator

build the rig a row at a time — quantity, watts, what it is — and it totals connected load, amps, circuits needed, and what is left on the last one. 120V single phase, 208V three-phase or 240V, on a 15, 20 or 30A breaker.

amps = watts ÷ volts, circuits = ceil(total ÷ (V × A × 0.8)). the 0.8 is the continuous derate, and it settles what size breaker you actually need: a 20A circuit at 120V is 2400W on paper, 1920W once it runs past three hours.

led rigs never pull their rated peak, but inrush is real and movers are not resistors. keep a circuit spare per truss for whatever turns up on the truck. your electrician still signs the tie-in.

all the tools on one page →