Wind Turbine Output Calculator
Estimate a wind turbine’s power and energy output from rotor diameter, wind speed and power coefficient using the wind power equation. Calculates in your browser.
Power output
-
Show the math
Wind power scales with the swept area and the cube of wind speed:
P = ½ × ρ × A × v³ × Cp
Cp is capped at the Betz limit of 0.593; real turbines reach 0.35–0.45. Daily and annual figures assume the average wind speed blows all the time. Real wind varies, and because power rises with the cube of speed, gusts add more than lulls take away: for a typical (Rayleigh) wind distribution the average of speed cubed is about 1.9 times the cube of the average speed. Real turbines also produce nothing below their cut-in speed and level off at their rated power, so actual output can land above or below this figure. Treat it as a rough guide and check the turbine’s power curve. All math runs in your browser.
What this does
A wind turbine output calculator estimates a turbine’s power and energy from rotor diameter, wind speed, and power coefficient using the wind power equation.
How to use it
- Enter the rotor diameter.
- Enter the wind speed.
- Set the power coefficient.
- Read the power and energy output.
How it works
Output rises with the cube of wind speed, so small speed gains matter a lot. The Betz limit caps Cp at 0.593; real turbines reach 0.35–0.45.
P = ½ × air density × swept area × speed³ × Cp
Understanding your result
Because power rises with the cube of wind speed, the site wind is by far the most important factor, a small turbine in a calm spot will disappoint no matter its size. The Betz limit caps efficiency at 0.59 and real turbines reach 0.35 to 0.45, so judge a site by its average wind speed, not its rated output in a gale.
Example
Doubling wind speed multiplies available power roughly eightfold.
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How is wind power calculated?
Power = ½ × air density × swept area × wind speed³ × Cp. Output rises with the cube of wind speed, so small speed gains matter a lot.
What is the Betz limit?
The theoretical maximum power coefficient is 0.593 — no turbine can extract more than 59.3% of the wind’s energy. Real turbines reach 0.35–0.45.
Is my data stored?
No. Everything is calculated locally in your browser.
Related tools
Carbon Footprint Calculator
Estimate your annual carbon footprint from electricity, natural gas, gasoline and air travel using US-average emission factors. Calculates in your browser.
Solar Panel Calculator
Size a solar array from your daily energy use, peak sun hours and panel wattage, get the kW needed, panel count and expected production. Calculates in your browser.
Solar Payback Calculator
Work out how long a solar system takes to pay for itself from its cost, incentives, production and electricity rate, plus lifetime savings and ROI. Calculates in your browser.
Battery Storage Calculator
Size a battery bank from daily energy use and days of autonomy, allowing for depth of discharge and round-trip efficiency. Gives kWh and amp-hours. Calculates in your browser.