Power & phase
kW to Amps Calculator
Current equals kilowatts multiplied by 1,000 and divided by voltage, power factor, and the applicable phase factor. Three-phase mode uses line-to-line voltage.
Convert kilowatts to current for DC, single-phase, or balanced three-phase systems.
Calculated result
Calculated current
Calculating…
Calculated locally in your browser
Planning math only. Verify equipment specifications and installation requirements separately.
What this calculator returns
Use line-to-line voltage in three-phase mode and the load's actual power factor.
Formula and variables
The calculation runs entirely in your browser. Static formulas, definitions, examples, and tables remain readable without JavaScript.
I = 1000 × kW / (phase factor × V × PF).
- P
- Real power, in watts or kilowatts.
- S
- Apparent power, in volt-amperes or kilovolt-amperes.
- V
- RMS voltage; line-to-line voltage in three-phase modes.
- I
- Line or circuit current, in amperes.
- PF
- Power factor, expressed as a ratio from greater than zero through one.
- Q
- Reactive power, in volt-amperes reactive.
The phase factor is 1 for DC/1φ and √3 for balanced 3φ.
Worked example
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| System type | Three-phase AC |
| Real power | 10 kW |
| Voltage | 480 V |
10 kW at 480 V three-phase and PF 0.9 is about 13.36 A.
Reference table
| Voltage | Amps at 1 kW | Amps at 5 kW | Watts at 10 A |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 V | 8.33 A | 41.67 A | 1,200 W |
| 208 V | 4.81 A | 24.04 A | 2,080 W |
| 240 V | 4.17 A | 20.83 A | 2,400 W |
| 480 V | 2.08 A | 10.42 A | 4,800 W |
Frequently asked questions
Why is kilowatts multiplied by 1,000?
The current formula uses watts, so the entered kilowatts are converted to watts before dividing by voltage, phase factor, and power factor.
Does kW to amps work for motors?
It can estimate steady-state current when electrical input kW and power factor are known, but it does not replace a motor nameplate or starting-current analysis.
Assumptions and limitations
- Balanced three-phase system assumed.
- No motor nameplate or code-table substitution.
Method and sources
Review the electrical formulas, calculation methodology, and reference tables for the references most relevant to this calculation. The broader technical sources index records source scope and verification. Last reviewed .