The article proposes the concept of "territorial capacity", which expands the traditional understanding of territorial potential, which appears to be a mathematical model that allows estimating the capacity of territories taking into account the factors mentioned in the article. During the analysis of the potential of the territory in the studied federal districts of the Russian Federation, various levels of capacity was identified, which necessitates the application of individual approaches in the field of regional policy. Recommendations for government agencies, entrepreneurs, investors and citizens aimed at improving the economic and social situation in the regions are given. The article will serve as a basis for further research in the field of spatial development and resource management of territories.