This paper presents a practical method for computing the minimum capacitance required to initiate voltage build-up in a three-phase induction generator self-excited with a single capacitance and supplying a single-phase load. Attention is focused on the Steinmetz connection which gives superior performance over the plain single-phasing mode of operation. From a consideration of the input impedance of the induction generator and the self-excitation conditions, two nonlinear equations are obtained. Solution of one equation using the Secant method enables the excitation frequency to be determined, and the minimum excitation capacitance can be calculated from the second equation. This solution technique is subsequently employed in an iterative procedure for computing the capacitance required to maintain the terminal voltage at a preset value when the generator is supplying load. Experimental results obtained on a 2-kW induction machine are presented to verify the theoretical analysis where possible.