Continuous 24 amp load
Rounds 30 A adjusted load to a 30 A standard size.
30 ANext standard breaker sizestandard breaker sizes
Standard Breaker Sizes
Common breaker sizes include 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 100, 125, 150, 200, and larger ratings, but equipment limits still control.
Inputs
Results
Immediate estimateNext standard breaker size30 A30 A adjusted load
Entered load24 A
Continuous-load adjustment125%
Standard sizes shown15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90...
ResultAt or above adjusted load
Acknowledge the limitations before relying on this as a planning lookup.
Electrical sizing depends on the adopted NEC edition, terminal temperature ratings, insulation type, conductor material, conduit fill, derating, grounding, equipment labels, and local inspection requirements.
Diagram
Breaker sizing
Calculated load is adjusted when continuous and rounded to a standard breaker size.
- Load amps
- Adjustment
- Breaker
How this calculator works
Enter calculated load amps and choose whether to apply a continuous-load adjustment to find the next standard breaker size.
Load adjustment
The calculator applies a 125 percent adjustment when the load is marked continuous.
Standard size
It then rounds up to the next standard breaker rating in the MVP list.
Electrical safety
Breaker size must be coordinated with conductor ampacity, equipment labels, panel compatibility, and code requirements.
Adjusted load
load amps x 125% when continuous load is selectedBreaker
choose next standard rating at or above adjusted loadAssumptions
- Scope: Standard breaker-size rounding helper for planning only.
- Not checked: Conductor ampacity, equipment maximum overcurrent protection, motor/HVAC rules, panel compatibility, available fault current, or selective coordination.
Worked examples
Noncontinuous 42 amp load
Rounds to next standard breaker size.
45 ANext standard breaker sizeFAQ
Can I just round up to the next breaker?
Not always. The conductor and equipment must be allowed to use that overcurrent protection.
What is a continuous load?
A continuous load is generally expected to run for three hours or more, but final classification depends on code and equipment context.
Does this pick a wire size?
No. Use a wire-size page and verify the full installation.
Sources and review
- National Electrical Code, NFPA. Accessed 2026-07-16.
Reviewed 2026-07-20. Planning estimates only; confirm project-specific requirements.