The form factor is a useful metric for identifying waveform distortions. For instance:
- A pure sine wave has a form factor of 1.11.
- A square wave has an RMS value equal to its peak and average values, yielding a form factor of exactly 1.00 (the lowest possible value for an AC signal).
- A triangular/sawtooth wave has a form factor of $\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} \approx 1.15$.