Convert apparent power in kilovolt-amps (kVA) to current in amperes (A), for both single-phase and three-phase systems.
Formulas:
Single Phase: I = (1000 × kVA) / VThree Phase: I = (1000 × kVA) / (√3 × V)The kVA to Amps Calculator is a powerful tool that helps you convert apparent power (measured in kilovolt-amperes or kVA) into electrical current (measured in amperes or amps). This conversion is essential for understanding how much current a system will draw when supplied with a certain amount of electrical power, especially in commercial and industrial electrical systems.
kVA (kilovolt-ampere) is a unit of apparent power in an electrical circuit. Apparent power is the product of voltage and current, without accounting for any phase difference (power factor) between them. It is used in AC (Alternating Current) systems and is important when designing transformers, generators, and backup systems.
1 kVA = 1,000 VA (volt-amperes)
An ampere (amp) is the SI unit of electric current. It measures the amount of electrical charge flowing through a circuit per second. In AC systems, the current drawn by a device depends on the voltage and the power factor (PF), which reflects how efficiently the power is being used.
The formula depends on the type of system you're using (single-phase or three-phase):
Amps = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ (Volts × Power Factor)
Amps = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ (√3 × Volts × Power Factor)
Here, √3 ≈ 1.732 is a constant used in three-phase systems.
kVA: 5
Voltage: 240 V
Power Factor: 0.9
Amps = (5 × 1,000) ÷ (240 × 0.9) = 23.15 A
kVA: 10
Voltage: 400 V
Power Factor: 0.8
Amps = (10 × 1,000) ÷ (1.732 × 400 × 0.8) = 18.03 A
| kVA | Voltage (V) | Power Factor | Current (Amps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 240 | 1 | 4.17 |
| 5 | 240 | 0.9 | 23.15 |
| 10 | 230 | 0.8 | 54.35 |
The power factor (PF) is a measure of how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work. A power factor of 1 means all the power is being used effectively, while lower PFs indicate more energy losses. Commercial and industrial systems often operate at PFs between 0.7 and 0.95.
Using a realistic PF value improves calculation accuracy and helps in choosing the right wires, breakers, and transformers.
This calculator supports any voltage level, including:
Q: What if I don’t know the power factor?
A: Use a default of 1.0 for a theoretical calculation or estimate between 0.8 to 0.95 for practical scenarios.
Q: Can I convert amps to kVA using this?
A: No, this tool is designed for forward calculation. However, the reverse formula is:
kVA = (Amps × Volts × PF) ÷ 1,000 (or ÷ (1.732 × Volts × PF) for 3-phase)
Q: Is this useful for residential wiring?
A: Yes, especially for electricians sizing panels, breakers, or calculating backup requirements.
The kVA to Amps Calculator is an essential tool for electricians, engineers, contractors, and students. It simplifies a critical electrical conversion that plays a huge role in system sizing, load balancing, and equipment selection. Whether you’re working on a new installation, upgrading a power system, or analyzing energy requirements, this calculator delivers fast, accurate results every time.
Bookmark this tool today and make current calculations part of your workflow with confidence and clarity.
In real-world electrical systems, kVA to amps conversion is a fundamental step in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting power distribution infrastructure. It's not limited to theoretical or academic use — electricians and electrical engineers rely on this formula every day in various industries.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units and standby generators are rated in kVA, while connected loads draw current in amps. Knowing how to convert kVA to amps ensures you don’t overload backup systems. For example:
Scenario: You install a 20 kVA UPS to support a load running at 240 V and a power factor of 0.9.
Amps = (20 × 1,000) ÷ (240 × 0.9) = 92.59 A
This helps determine the correct wiring, circuit breakers, and the load balance of the UPS system.
In office buildings, malls, and data centers, distribution panels must be configured to handle hundreds of amps safely. Converting kVA loads to amps helps electrical consultants determine the proper breaker sizes, feeder cables, and transformer ratings.
Heavy machinery and motors operate on three-phase systems, and their ratings are often given in kVA or kW. Calculating the current (amps) ensures systems are designed with the correct safety margins, reducing the risk of tripping breakers or overheating cables.
To fully grasp kVA to amps conversion, it’s important to understand the distinction between three types of power:
The power factor (PF) ties all three together:
kW = kVA × PF
That’s why accurate kVA to amp conversion must always include the power factor for precision in real-world applications.
In an electrical engineering classroom, the instructor can pose this problem:
“If a motor is rated at 15 kVA, 400 V, and operates at a power factor of 0.85, what current does it draw?”
Amps = (15,000) ÷ (400 × 0.85) = 44.12 A (Single-phase)
Or for a three-phase system:
Amps = 15,000 ÷ (1.732 × 400 × 0.85) = 25.47 A
This helps students understand real-world applications of formulas they learn.
Transformers are typically rated in kVA, but the equipment they supply is rated in amps. By converting kVA to amps, engineers can design the correct transformer size to supply downstream equipment safely.
Example: A transformer rated at 50 kVA, supplying a 480 V three-phase load at PF = 0.9.
Amps = 50,000 ÷ (1.732 × 480 × 0.9) = 66.8 A
This ensures all cables, breakers, and terminals are rated for at least 67 A or higher.
Instead of performing manual calculations with scientific notation and multiple steps, our digital calculator offers:
Q: Can this calculator help with solar inverter sizing?
A: Yes. Solar inverters are often rated in kVA, and converting to amps helps match them with breaker ratings and battery bank outputs.
Q: Can I use this for 50 Hz and 60 Hz systems?
A: Yes. Frequency doesn’t directly affect the formula unless you're calculating reactance or impedance. For kVA to amps, voltage, PF, and system type are what matter.
Q: What if my load includes both single and three-phase equipment?
A: Calculate them separately, then combine total amperage for system-level design like cable sizing or breaker coordination.
The kVA to Amps Calculator is more than just a formula — it's a practical tool trusted by thousands of engineers, electricians, and students worldwide. It makes electrical planning easier, reduces costly errors, and speeds up project timelines. Whether you're sizing a generator, balancing loads, or teaching a classroom, this tool delivers clarity, accuracy, and speed.
Use it daily to make informed decisions and ensure your electrical systems are both safe and efficient. Bookmark it now and take the guesswork out of power calculations.