to capacity
Showing the maximum limit
Use to capacity after verbs such as fill, pack, or load.
The hall was filled to capacity before noon.
Capacity with prepositions
Capacity appears in several fixed expressions. To capacity is common after verbs such as fill or packed, while of capacity usually belongs to larger noun phrases.
Quick answer
When do we use to capacity?
Use to capacity in expressions such as filled to capacity or operating to capacity. Of capacity is not usually a standalone pattern, but it appears in phrases like the limits of capacity.
The stadium was packed to capacity.
The factory is operating at full capacity.
The limits of capacity became clear during the crisis.
The factory is operating at full capacity.
The limits of capacity became clear during the crisis.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
at capacity
Showing a full operating level
Use at capacity for businesses, hospitals, or venues working at their limit.
The hotel is operating at capacity this weekend.
of capacity
Describing relation to capacity
Of capacity normally appears in larger noun phrases.
The expansion increased the overall capacity of the network.
capacity for + activity
Showing ability or room for something
Use for to describe ability, space, or potential.
She has a strong capacity for problem-solving.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
to capacity
The arena was packed to capacity.
Correct for reaching the maximum limit.
at capacity
The hospital is at capacity.
Correct for operating at the maximum level.
of capacity
The lack of capacity caused delays.
Natural only inside a larger noun phrase.
capacity for
The system has capacity for growth.
Shows ability, space, or potential.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using of capacity alone
This combination usually needs a larger phrase.
✕ The room was of capacity. ✓ The room was filled to capacity.Confusing at capacity and to capacity
At capacity describes a state; to capacity describes a limit reached.
✕ The train was at capacity with passengers standing everywhere. ✓ The train was filled to capacity with passengers standing everywhere.Missing an article with full capacity
Full capacity usually follows at.
✕ The factory runs full capacity. ✓ The factory runs at full capacity.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The theatre was packed ___ capacity.
2. The clinic is operating ___ capacity.
3. The system has enough capacity ___ future growth.
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Frequently asked questions
What does to capacity mean?
It means completely full or operating at the maximum limit.
Is of capacity a standard phrase?
Not by itself. It usually appears inside a larger phrase such as lack of capacity.
What is the difference between at capacity and to capacity?
At capacity describes a condition, while to capacity describes reaching the limit.
Related preposition guides
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