kW to Amps Calculator

Converting kilowatts (kW) to amps means finding the electrical current drawn by a device or circuit — useful when sizing wiring, fuses, or circuit breakers. Select your Current Type (DC, single-phase AC, or three-phase AC), then enter your Power (kW), Voltage (V), and Power Factor (for AC circuits) to get the Current in Amps. Secondary outputs include the equivalent in milliamps and the exact formula applied to your configuration.

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V

Only required for AC circuits. Typical values: Motors 0.7-0.9, Heaters 1.0

Results

Current

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Current (Milliamperes)

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Formula Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many amps is 1 kW?

The amperage for 1 kW depends on voltage and current type. For DC at 240V: 4.17A. For single-phase AC at 240V with 0.8 power factor: 5.21A. For three-phase AC at 240V with 0.8 power factor: 3.01A per phase.

Can I convert kilowatts to amps without knowing voltage?

No, voltage is essential for kW to amps conversion. The current (amps) equals power (kW) divided by voltage and other factors. Without voltage, the calculation cannot be performed accurately.

What's the difference between kW and kVA?

kW (kilowatts) is real power that does actual work, while kVA (kilovolt-amperes) is apparent power. kW = kVA × power factor. For purely resistive loads (power factor = 1), kW equals kVA.

Why do motors have lower power factors than heaters?

Motors have inductive components that cause current to lag voltage, reducing power factor (typically 0.7-0.9). Heaters are purely resistive with power factor of 1.0, meaning all current contributes to useful work.

How do I find the power factor of my equipment?

Check the equipment nameplate or manual for power factor ratings. Common values: incandescent lights (1.0), fluorescent lights (0.9), induction motors (0.7-0.9), transformers (0.95-0.99).

What's the formula for three-phase AC current calculation?

For three-phase AC: I = P / (√3 × V × PF), where I is current in amps, P is power in watts, V is line-to-line voltage, and PF is power factor. The √3 factor accounts for three-phase power distribution.

How does voltage drop affect my calculations?

Voltage drop reduces the actual voltage at the load, increasing current draw for the same power. Always use the actual voltage at the equipment, not the source voltage, for accurate amperage calculations.