Physics
Instant, private, and free
kVA to Amperage Calculator.
Calculate single-phase RMS current from apparent power and voltage.
Set your values
Results update as you type.
Results update automatically as you type.
Use Cases
Sizing circuit breakers and wires
Determine the current draw of single-phase equipment to select appropriate breaker and wire sizes.
Example: A 10 kVA load at 230 V draws 43.48 A, so you'd need a breaker rated above that.
Checking generator or transformer capacity
Verify that a single-phase generator or transformer can handle the current demand of connected loads.
Example: If you have a 15 kVA generator at 120 V, it can supply up to 125 A.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I convert kVA to amps for a single-phase circuit?
- Use the formula: Amps = (kVA × 1000) / Voltage. For example, 5 kVA at 240 V gives 5000 / 240 = 20.83 A. This calculator does that for you.
- What is the difference between kVA and kW?
- kVA is apparent power (voltage × current), while kW is real power (kVA × power factor). This calculator uses kVA, not kW, so it gives the current based on apparent power.
- Can I use this calculator for three-phase systems?
- No, this calculator is specifically for single-phase circuits. For three-phase, the formula differs (amps = kVA × 1000 / (√3 × voltage)).
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
- Ensure the voltage you enter is the RMS voltage (the standard measurement for AC circuits).
- For accurate results, use the actual operating voltage, not the nominal voltage, if it differs.
- Remember that this calculator assumes a purely resistive load (power factor = 1). For inductive loads, the actual current may be higher.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to convert kVA to VA (multiply by 1000) before dividing by voltage.
- Using peak voltage instead of RMS voltage, which would give incorrect current values.
- Applying the single-phase formula to three-phase systems without adjusting for the square root of three.
Last updated: August 13, 2026