The single-phase dual active bridge (DAB) DC/DC converter is a vital component in modern power electronics systems, facilitating efficient bidirectional power transfer between various energy sources and loads. One of the critical aspects in the design of such converters is the selection of an appropriate leakage inductance, as it significantly affects the circulating power within the converter. This study investigates the influence of inductance on the reactive power flow and introduces an analytical formula for calculating the necessary leakage inductance based on the specified rated power of the DAB converter. By employing the inductance values determined through the proposed formula, the developed power control-based modulation method, implemented in discrete time, successfully achieves zero reactive power caused by the first harmonic components under all load conditions. This selection of leakage inductance optimizes the performance of the converter ensuring efficient power delivery across various applications. The applicability of this method extends to various DAB applications, including electric vehicles, integration with asynchronous microgrids, and aerospace systems.