Amps to kVA Calculator

Convert electrical current to apparent power

Current (Amps)

A

Voltage i

V

Phase Type

Single Phase Three Phase

Apparent Power

0

kilovolt-amps (kVA)

Calculation Formula

kVA = Amps (A) × Volts (V) ÷ 1000

kVA = √3 × Amps (A) × Volts (V) ÷ 1000

Note: kVA represents apparent power (VA = Volts × Amps)

An Amps to kVA (kilovolt-ampere) Calculator is a tool used to convert electrical current (measured in amperes, A) into apparent power (measured in kilovolt-amperes, kVA). This conversion is crucial in AC (alternating current) circuits, particularly for sizing transformers, generators, UPS systems, and circuit breakers. Unlike kW (kilowatts), which measures real power, kVA accounts for both real and reactive power in AC systems.

---

Key Concepts

1. Amperes (Amps, A)

• Represents the electric current flowing in a circuit.

• Measured using an ammeter.

2. Volts (V)

• The voltage (electrical potential difference) in the circuit.

• Common voltages:

  • Single-phase: 120V (US), 230V (EU)

  • Three-phase: 208V, 400V, 480V (industrial)

3. kVA (Kilovolt-Amperes)

• A unit of apparent power (combination of real and reactive power).

• Used for sizing electrical equipment like transformers and generators.

• 1 kVA = 1000 VA (Volt-Amperes)

4. Power Factor (PF)

• The ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA).

• Ranges from 0 to 1 (e.g., 0.8 for motors, 1 for resistive loads like heaters).

• Affects the actual usable power in an AC circuit.

---

Formulas for Amps to kVA Conversion

The conversion depends on the type of circuit (single-phase or three-phase).

1. Single-Phase AC Circuit

$$\text{kVA}=\frac{I(A)\times V(V)}{1000}$$

• Example:

  • Current = 20 A, Voltage = 230 V

  • kVA = (20 × 230) / 1000 = 4.6 kVA

2. Three-Phase AC Circuit (Line-to-Line Voltage)

$$\text{kVA}=\frac{\sqrt{3}\times I(A)\times V_{L-L}(V)}{1000}$$

• Example:

  • Current = 30 A, Voltage = 400 V

  • kVA = (1.732 × 30 × 400) / 1000 = 20.78 kVA

3. Three-Phase AC Circuit (Line-to-Neutral Voltage)

$$\text{kVA}=\frac{3\times I(A)\times V_{L-N}(V)}{1000}$$

• Example:

  • Current = 25 A, Voltage = 230 V (L-N)

  • kVA = (3 × 25 × 230) / 1000 = 17.25 kVA

---

How the Amps to kVA Calculator Works

1. Input Parameters Required:

   • Current (Amps, A)

   • Voltage (Volts, V)

   • Phase Type (Single-Phase or Three-Phase)

   • For Three-Phase: Line-to-Line (L-L) or Line-to-Neutral (L-N) Voltage

2. Calculation Steps:

   • Select the phase type (single or three-phase).

   • Enter current (A) and voltage (V).

   • The calculator applies the correct formula and outputs kVA.

---

Example Calculations

Example 1: Single-Phase AC

• Current (I): 15 A

• Voltage (V): 120 V

• Calculation:

  $$\text{kVA}=\frac{15\times 120}{1000}=1.8\text{kVA}$$

Example 2: Three-Phase AC (Line-to-Line Voltage)

• Current (I): 50 A

• Voltage (V): 480 V

• Calculation:

  $$\text{kVA}=\frac{\sqrt{3}\times 50\times 480}{1000}=41.57\text{kVA}$$

Example 3: Three-Phase AC (Line-to-Neutral Voltage)

• Current (I): 40 A

• Voltage (V): 230 V (L-N)

• Calculation:

  $$\text{kVA}=\frac{3\times 40\times 230}{1000}=27.6\text{kVA}$$

---

Applications of Amps to kVA Calculator

• Transformer Sizing: Ensures proper capacity for power distribution.

• Generator/UPS Selection: Helps choose the right kVA rating.

• Circuit Breaker & Wire Sizing: Prevents overloading in electrical systems.

• Industrial Motor Loads: Determines power requirements for machinery.

---

kVA vs. kW: What’s the Difference?

Parameter	kVA (Apparent Power)	kW (Real Power)
Definition	Total power (real + reactive)	Actual usable power
Formula (Single-Phase)	$\frac{I\times V}{1000}$	$\frac{I\times V\times PF}{1000}$
Power Factor (PF) Dependency	No	Yes
Usage	Used for equipment sizing	Used for energy billing