This paper presents an iterative approach for incorporating doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based variable speed wind farms in steady state studies such as load flow analysis. The proposed approach is based on an accurate steady state equivalent circuit of a DFIG. In the proposed approach, the power flow model of a node with DFIG is determined based on the reference to reactive power control loop of rotor side converter. In addition, the proposed approach takes into consideration various limits associated with the DFIG. Case studies on sample 6-bus system and 418-bus equivalent system of Indian southern grid are presented to validate the proposed approach. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.