PUE Calculator (Data Centre Efficiency)
Measure how efficiently a data centre turns power into computing.
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PUE Calculator (Data Centre Efficiency) by TheCalcTools
How the PUE Calculator (Data Centre Efficiency) works
Enter the power drawn by servers, storage and network gear, and the total power drawn by the whole facility.
PUE is total power divided by IT power.
The difference is spent on cooling, power conversion and lighting.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| IT equipment load (kW) | 500 |
|---|---|
| Total facility power (kW) | 750 |
| Electricity price ($/kWh) | 0.1 |
- PUE = 750 ÷ 500 = 1.50.
- DCiE = 500 ÷ 750 = 66.7%, and the overhead is 250 kW.
- Annual energy = 750 × 8,760 = 6,570,000 kWh, costing $657,000.
Result:
| PUE | 1.50 |
|---|---|
| DCiE (efficiency) | 66.7% |
| Overhead power (kW) | 250.0 |
| Annual energy (kWh) | 6,570,000 |
| Annual energy cost | $657,000 |
| Annual cost of overhead | $219,000 |
Frequently asked questions
What is a good PUE?
Large modern hyperscale facilities report about 1.1–1.2. Older enterprise data centres are often 1.5–2.0.
Can PUE be below 1?
No. A PUE of 1.0 would mean every watt goes to IT equipment, which is the theoretical limit.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.