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kW to Amps Calculator

Convert kilowatts (kW) to amperes (A) instantly and accurately for DC, single-phase, and three-phase systems

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How to Convert kW to Amps

Converting kilowatts (kW) to amperes (A) is a fundamental calculation in electrical engineering and power system design. Kilowatts represent real power (active power), while amperes represent electrical current. The conversion depends on the system type: for DC, only voltage (V) is needed; for AC single-phase and three-phase systems, voltage and power factor (PF) are required. Our free kW to Amps conversion calculator makes this process quick and easy, providing instant and accurate results for DC, single-phase, and three-phase electrical systems.

The conversion formula varies by system type: For DC: I(A) = P(kW) × 1000 / V, where I is the current in amperes, P is the power in kilowatts, and V is the voltage in volts. No power factor is needed for DC. For single-phase AC: I(A) = P(kW) × 1000 / (PF × V). For three-phase AC: I(A) = P(kW) × 1000 / (√3 × PF × V(L-L)), where V(L-L) is the line-to-line voltage. The power factor indicates how efficiently electrical power is being used in AC systems, typically ranging from 0.8 to 0.95 for most equipment.

This conversion is commonly used in various applications: sizing circuit breakers, fuses, and cables for electrical installations, determining wire gauge requirements for safe current flow, calculating motor or inverter current draw from rated power, designing DC systems (solar, batteries, EVs) and AC distribution panels, understanding equipment current requirements, selecting appropriate electrical components, and working with generators, transformers, and power distribution systems. Knowing how to convert kW to Amps helps you make informed decisions about electrical system design, equipment selection, and safety compliance.

Our calculator takes kilowatts and voltage as inputs, and allows you to select DC, single-phase, or three-phase. For AC modes, power factor is also required. It automatically applies the appropriate conversion formula and provides the result in amperes. The calculator handles common voltages including 12V, 24V, 48V (DC), 120V, 230V, 240V, 400V, 480V, and custom values. Whether you're sizing cables for a DC solar array, selecting circuit breakers for a motor, or designing an AC installation, our kW to Amps calculator provides accurate, instant conversions.

Example:

For DC: A 2 kW load at 24V draws I = (2 × 1000) / 24 = 83.33 A. For single-phase AC: A 5 kW load at 230V with PF 0.8 gives I = (5 × 1000) / (0.8 × 230) = 27.17 A. For three-phase AC: A 10 kW load at 400V line-to-line with PF 0.85 gives I = (10 × 1000) / (√3 × 0.85 × 400) = 16.99 A. For DC 3 kW at 48V: I = 3000 / 48 = 62.5 A.

Frequently Asked Questions

For DC: I(A) = P(kW) × 1000 / V. For single-phase AC: I(A) = P(kW) × 1000 / (PF × V). For three-phase AC: I(A) = P(kW) × 1000 / (√3 × PF × V(L-L)), where I is current in amperes, P is power in kilowatts, PF is power factor, and V is voltage in volts. For three-phase, use line-to-line voltage. DC does not use power factor.
No. Power factor applies only to AC systems. For DC, the formula is I = (kW × 1000) / V. You only need kilowatts and voltage. Common DC voltages include 12V, 24V, 48V, and 120V for batteries, solar, and EV applications.
Single-phase AC uses I = (kW × 1000) / (PF × V). Three-phase AC includes √3 (approximately 1.732) in the denominator: I = (kW × 1000) / (√3 × PF × V). Three-phase systems deliver more power at the same current level. Three-phase calculations use line-to-line voltage, not phase voltage.
For three-phase calculations, always use the line-to-line voltage (also called line voltage), not the phase voltage. Common three-phase voltages include 208V, 240V, 380V, 400V, 415V, and 480V. For example, in a 400V three-phase system, use 400V in the calculator.
Power factor (PF) is the ratio of real power to apparent power, indicating how efficiently electrical power is used in AC systems. It ranges from 0 to 1. Typical values: resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights) = 1.0, induction motors = 0.8-0.9, fluorescent lights = 0.85-0.95, LED lights = 0.9-0.95. If unknown, use 0.8 for motor loads or 0.9 for general mixed loads. DC has no power factor.
Yes, our kW to Amps calculator is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required. Enter kW and voltage, select system type (DC, single-phase, or three-phase), add power factor for AC, and get instant, accurate results.