A b s t r n c f -AC electromagnets are widely used for electromagnetic devices.It is necessary to predict the dynamic behavior for the optimum design of AC electromagnets.The 3-D analysis method has been used to obtain the operating characteristics of an AC electromagnetic contactor.The electromagnet of the contactor has a complex load curve relating to the position of the armature.The time variations of the exciting current and the stroke of the electromagnet under the load are calculated by our method.It is clarified that the operating characteristics of the electromagnetic contactor can be accurately calculated by comparing it with the measurements.