Wind Energy Calculator
Estimate annual energy output from a wind turbine. The foundation of every wind farm feasibility study.
Free · No signup · By the analysts at Blackridge Research · Updated 2026-07-18
Inputs
Results
What this means
Adjust the inputs to calculate.
About the Wind Energy Calculator
Wind energy output depends on turbine size, wind speed, and capacity factor.
This calculator estimates annual energy production for wind projects.
Formula
Annual Output = Turbine Size × 8,760 × 0.35 × (Wind Speed / 10)
- TS
- — Turbine Size (MW)
- WS
- — Wind Speed (m/s)
- CF
- — Capacity Factor
- AO
- — Annual Output (MWh)
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter turbine size
Turbine capacity in megawatts (MW).
- 2
Enter wind speed
Average annual wind speed in m/s at hub height.
Example calculations
Utility wind turbine
A 3 MW turbine with 8 m/s average wind speed.
Annual Output = 3 × 8,760 × 0.35 × (8/10) = 7,358 MWh.
- Annual output:
- 7,358 MWh
- Capacity factor:
- 28.0%
The 3 MW turbine produces 7,358 MWh annually at 8 m/s wind speed.
Interpreting your results
Higher wind speeds produce more energy. Wind speed is the most important factor.
Capacity factors of 25-45% are typical for wind projects.
Need the market data behind this calculator?
The Wind Energy Calculator is only as good as its inputs. Blackridge Research publishes syndicated market reports with vetted market sizes, growth rates, and competitive landscapes across 40+ industries — and builds custom studies when the shelf report doesn't exist.
Industry applications
Business
- Wind farm development: estimate energy production.
- Investment decisions: evaluate wind project viability.
- Renewable energy planning: assess wind resources.
Construction
- Wind farm construction: plan wind project capacity.
- Site assessment: evaluate wind resource potential.
Research
- Energy analysis: evaluate wind economics.
- Feasibility studies: wind project viability.
Common mistakes to avoid
-
✗ Overestimating wind speed
Use measured wind speed data, not optimistic assumptions.
-
✗ Using average wind speed
Use the distribution of wind speeds, not just the average.
Frequently asked questions
›What is a good wind speed for wind energy?
Above 6 m/s at hub height is generally viable. Above 8 m/s is excellent.
›What is a typical capacity factor for wind?
25-45% depending on location and turbine technology.
Glossary
- Capacity factor:
- Actual output divided by maximum possible output over a period.
- Hub height:
- The height of the wind turbine rotor center.
- Wind shear:
- The increase in wind speed with height above ground.
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