Abstract A new procedure for determining the characteristic capacitance of DBD plasma actuators during operation is introduced, based on time-resolved discharge cyclograms. The actuator performance is described extensively and the interaction of several key quantities is elucidated. Operating voltage and corresponding power consumption are identified as deciding factors influencing the actuator’s capacitance. Conclusions concerning plasma actuators as a time and power dependent load in electrical circuits are drawn from these new insights. The steps necessary to insure optimal impedance matching of DBD based systems are underlined as well as its sensitivity to simple parameters such as the operating voltage.