♻️ Efficiency Calculator

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Use the same unit for both, e.g. J and J, or W and W.
Efficiency (%)
75%
Energy or power wasted (same unit)
150
Wasted (%)
25%

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📘 About the Efficiency

Efficiency tells you how much of the energy put into a device comes out as useful energy. This efficiency calculator divides the useful output by the total input and gives a percentage.

Use energy (joules) or power (watts) — the units just need to match. No real machine is 100% efficient: some energy is always lost, mostly as heat.

🧮 Formula

Efficiency
η = useful output ÷ total input × 100%

Where

  • η (eta) = efficiency (%)
  • Useful output = energy or power in the form you want
  • Total input = energy or power supplied
Energy is conserved: useful output + wasted energy = total input.

✏️ Worked examples

Electric motor

You enter
Useful output energy or power450
Total input energy or power600
You get
Efficiency (%)75%
Energy or power wasted (same unit)150
Wasted (%)25%

A motor giving 450 W of mechanical power from 600 W of electricity is 75% efficient.

Try this example →

Old filament bulb

You enter
Useful output energy or power5
Total input energy or power100
You get
Efficiency (%)5%
Energy or power wasted (same unit)95
Wasted (%)95%

A 100 W bulb giving 5 W of light is only 5% efficient; the rest is heat.

Try this example →

🧭 How to use this calculator

What you enter

  • Useful output energy or powerUse the same unit for both, e.g. J and J, or W and W.
  • Total input energy or power

What you get

  • Efficiency (%)
  • Energy or power wasted (same unit)
  • Wasted (%)

💡 Typical efficiencies

  • Large electric motor: 90–96%
  • LED lamp: about 30–40% (light out ÷ electricity in)
  • Petrol car engine: 20–35%
  • Coal power station: 33–40%
  • Solar panel: 18–23%

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is the formula for efficiency?

Efficiency = useful output ÷ total input × 100%.

Can efficiency be more than 100%?

No. That would mean creating energy, which breaks the law of conservation of energy.

Where does wasted energy go?

Mostly into heat, and some into sound and vibration.

Does efficiency have a unit?

No. It is a ratio, usually written as a percentage.