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kW to Amps

kW to Amps

DC, single-phase, and three-phase (L-L / L-N) with unit pickers and power factor. Results update instantly.

Mode: kW to Amps

Decimals:
8

Typical PF: resistive 1.0, motors 0.8–0.95.

A
mA
Formula used: I = P / V

How the kW to Amps Calculator Works

This calculator converts between power and current for DC, single-phase AC, and three-phase AC systems. Enter either power and voltage to get current, or enter current and voltage to get power. You can select units (mW, W, kW and mV, V, kV) and adjust the power factor for AC systems.

  • DC: I = P / V
  • AC single-phase: I = P / (V × PF)
  • AC three-phase (L-L): I = P / (√3 × V LL × PF)
  • AC three-phase (L-N): I = P / (3 × V LN × PF)

Kilowatts to Amps

Enter power in mW, W, or kW plus system type, voltage, and PF (for AC). The current in amps and milliamps is updated instantly without any “calculate” button.

Amps to Kilowatts

Switch to Amps to kW mode using the toggle. Provide amps, voltage, system, and PF; we compute real power in kW for your configuration.

Three-Phase Systems

Choose line-to-line (VLL) or line-to-neutral (VLN) depending on your nameplate or supply. Formulas adjust automatically so you don’t have to memorize them.

Typical Power Factor Values

  • Purely resistive heater: 1.00
  • LED drivers: 0.9–0.98
  • Induction motors: 0.75–0.9
  • Corrected motors with capacitors: 0.95–1.00

This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. For wiring, protection devices, and safety-critical design, always follow applicable codes and consult a qualified electrician or engineer.

Explore Our Guides

Formula

kW to Amps Formula Guide

Single-phase & three-phase formulas with examples
3-Phase

3-Phase Calculator

415V, 440V, 480V scenarios
Single Phase

Single Phase Guide

120V, 220V, 240V calculations
Chart

Conversion Chart

Full tables + motor chart

Quick Reference: kW to Amps

Common conversions at standard power factors

Power 120V (1ɸ) 240V (1ɸ) 415V (3ɸ) 480V (3ɸ)
1 kW 9.26 A 4.63 A 1.64 A 1.42 A
5 kW 46.30 A 23.15 A 8.18 A 7.08 A
10 kW 92.59 A 46.30 A 16.37 A 14.15 A
50 kW 462.96 A 231.48 A 81.85 A 70.77 A

Single-phase: PF 0.9 | Three-phase: PF 0.85, Line-to-Line voltage

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Understanding Ampere and Kilowatt

What is an Ampere?

The Ampere (symbol: A), often shortened to "amp", is the base unit of electric current in the International System of Units (SI). It measures the rate of electron flow through a conductor.

It is named after André-Marie Ampère (1775–1836), a French mathematician and physicist who is considered the father of electrodynamics. Think of amps as the "volume" of water flowing through a pipe.

What is a Kilowatt?

The Kilowatt (symbol: kW) is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. It measures the rate at which energy is generated or consumed. One kilowatt is approximately equal to 1.34 horsepower.

The Watt is named after James Watt (1736–1819), the Scottish inventor whose steam engine drove the Industrial Revolution. If amps are the water flow, kilowatts are the "power" that flow generates to turn a wheel.

Real-World kW to Amps Examples

Device Power (kW) System Approx Current
LED Light Bulb 0.01 kW (10W) 120V AC 0.08 A
Electric Kettle 3.0 kW 240V AC 12.5 A
EV Charger (Lvl 2) 7.2 kW 240V AC 30 A
Industrial Motor 15 kW 400V 3-Phase ~27 A

The Physics Relationship

The relationship between Power (P), Voltage (V), and Current (I) is governed by Watt's Law:

P = V × I

(For DC circuits)

In AC circuits, we introduce the concept of Power Factor (PF) because current and voltage can be out of phase. This makes the formula: P = V × I × PF. To find Amps, we rearrange this to I = P / (V × PF).

Why Power Factor Matters

Power Factor is a measure of how efficiently electrical power is being used. It is the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA).

  • 1.0 Resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights). All power is done as useful work.
  • 0.8 Inductive loads (motors, transformers). Some power creates magnetic fields rather than work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many amps is 1 kW?+
It depends on voltage and system type. For DC: I = 1000 W ÷ V (e.g., at 230 V, ≈ 4.35 A). For AC single-phase: I = 1000 ÷ (V × PF). For three-phase (L-L): I = 1000 ÷ (√3 × VLL × PF).
How many kilowatts is 1 ampere?+
For DC: kW = (V × 1 A) ÷ 1000. For example, at 240 V → 0.24 kW. For AC systems, multiply by the power factor and use the correct single-phase or three-phase formula.
How many amps make 1 kWh?+
kWh is energy, not current. To relate amps to kWh you must include voltage, power factor (for AC), and time. For example, 10 A at 230 V, PF 1 for 1 hour ≈ 2.3 kWh.
What is 5 kW in amps?+
It depends on voltage, system, and PF. Single-phase 240 V at PF 0.9 → I ≈ 5000 ÷ (240 × 0.9) ≈ 23.15 A. Three-phase 400 V L-L at PF 0.9 → I ≈ 5000 ÷ (√3 × 400 × 0.9) ≈ 8.01 A.
Can you convert kW to amps?+
Yes! You can convert kW to amps if you know the voltage and power factor. Use our calculator above or apply the formula: I = P ÷ (V × PF) for single-phase, or I = P ÷ (√3 × V × PF) for three-phase systems.
What is the kW to amps formula?+
For DC: I = P ÷ V. For single-phase AC: I = P ÷ (V × PF). For three-phase AC (line-to-line): I = P ÷ (√3 × V × PF). P is power in watts, V is voltage, and PF is power factor.
How to calculate kW to amps at 240V?+
At 240V single-phase with PF 0.9: Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ (240 × 0.9). For example, 5 kW = 5000 ÷ 216 = 23.15 A. Use PF = 1.0 for resistive loads like heaters.
What power factor should I use?+
Use PF 1.0 for resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights). Use PF 0.85-0.95 for motors, and 0.9-0.98 for modern LED lighting. When in doubt, use 0.85 for a conservative estimate.
What is the difference between single-phase and 3-phase conversion?+
Single-phase uses I = P ÷ (V × PF). Three-phase includes √3 (≈1.732) factor: I = P ÷ (√3 × V × PF). Three-phase carries more power at lower current, making it more efficient for high-power applications.
How to convert generator kW to amps?+
For generator sizing, use the same formulas based on phase type. A 10 kW single-phase generator at 240V, PF 0.9 provides about 46.3 A. For three-phase at 415V, PF 0.85, it provides about 16.4 A per phase.
What is the difference between kW and kWh?+
kW (kilowatts) measures power — the rate of energy use at any instant. kWh (kilowatt-hours) measures energy — total power consumed over time. 1 kW running for 1 hour = 1 kWh.
How to convert kW to amps at 440V three-phase?+
At 440V three-phase (L-L) with PF 0.85: Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ (1.732 × 440 × 0.85). For 10 kW: 10000 ÷ 647.5 = 15.44 A per phase. This is common for industrial motors.