Enter your Kilowatts (kW) and Power Factor into the kW to kVA Calculator to find your Apparent Power (kVA), along with Power Factor (%) and Reactive Power (kVAR) — everything you need to understand what your electrical system is actually drawing.
Apparent Power
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Power Factor (%)
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Reactive Power
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kW (kilowatts) represents real power that actually performs work, while kVA (kilovolt-amperes) represents apparent power, which is the total power in an AC circuit including both real and reactive components.
Power factor is the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA), ranging from 0 to 1. A higher power factor means more efficient power usage, while a low power factor indicates energy waste through reactive power.
The formula is: kVA = kW ÷ Power Factor. For example, if you have 10 kW with a power factor of 0.8, then kVA = 10 ÷ 0.8 = 12.5 kVA.
Most electrical equipment operates with power factors between 0.8 to 0.95. Motors typically have 0.8-0.9, while resistive loads like heaters have a power factor close to 1.0.
Transformers are rated in kVA because they must handle the total apparent power, not just the real power. The transformer must be sized based on kVA to avoid overloading, regardless of the power factor.
Reactive power (kVAR) is the power that oscillates between source and load without performing useful work. It can be calculated as: kVAR = kVA × sin(cos⁻¹(power factor)).
No, power factor cannot exceed 1.0 in normal circumstances. A power factor of 1.0 represents perfect efficiency where all power is real power, with no reactive component.
Poor power factor increases current draw for the same amount of work, leading to higher transmission losses and potential utility penalties. Many utilities charge extra fees for power factors below 0.9.