What this calculator actually does
Kilowatts measure real power while amps measure current, so voltage and system type are required to relate them. AC calculations also need the load power factor, and balanced three-phase current uses line-to-line voltage with the √3 factor.
How to use this calculator
Choose the electrical system.
Enter real power in kW and the applicable voltage; for AC, enter the equipment power factor.
Review calculated current and verify the voltage convention before using the number elsewhere.
Where people use it
- •Early electrical load calculations
- •Comparing current at different voltages
- •Checking equipment power/current relationships
Example: 2.3 kW at 230 V, PF 1
2.3 kW is 2,300 W. For single-phase PF 1, 2,300 ÷ 230 = 10 A.
Assumptions and limits
- •Do not use calculated current alone to choose cable or protection. Installation design depends on code, conductor, ambient, starting current and other factors.
- •Three-phase mode assumes a balanced load and line-to-line voltage.
Frequently asked questions
Why multiply kW by 1000?+
One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, and the electrical power formulas use watts.
Can I calculate three-phase current?+
Yes, for a balanced three-phase load when line-to-line voltage and power factor are known.
Why can two 5 kW loads draw different current?+
Different voltage, phase configuration, power factor and efficiency can change current.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
Watts to Amps Calculator — DC, Single-Phase and Three-Phase
Convert watts to amps from power and voltage for DC, single-phase AC or balanced three-phase AC, with an explicit power-factor input for AC loads.
OpenAmps to Watts Calculator — DC, Single-Phase & Three-Phase
Convert current in amps to real power in watts for DC, single-phase AC or balanced three-phase AC with explicit voltage and power-factor inputs.
OpenPower Factor Calculator — kW, kVA & kVAR
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OpenOhm's Law Calculator — Volts, Amps, Ohms and Watts
Calculate voltage, current, resistance and power from any two positive electrical values using Ohm's Law and Watt's Law.
OpenThree-Phase Power Calculator — kW, kVA, kVAR & Power Factor
Calculate balanced three-phase apparent, real and reactive power from line-to-line voltage, current and power factor, with phase angle shown for the simplified power triangle.
OpenkW ↔ kVA Calculator — Real & Apparent Power
Convert kW to kVA or kVA to kW with an explicit power factor, plus a reverse check that keeps real and apparent power from being treated as the same quantity.
OpenkVA to Amps Calculator — Single & Three Phase
Convert apparent power in kVA to current using voltage and phase configuration, with separate balanced three-phase line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage formulas.
OpenVA to Watts Calculator — Apparent vs Real Power
Convert volt-amperes to watts or watts to VA using an explicit power factor, while keeping apparent power and real power separate instead of treating them as interchangeable.
OpenMore in this calculator collection
Browse nearby calculators in the same topic cluster so related pages reinforce each other instead of sitting as isolated URLs.
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