kW to Amps Calculator

Convert kilowatts to amps at any voltage for HVAC systems, EV chargers, industrial motors, and commercial equipment. Covers DC, AC single-phase, and three-phase (line-to-line and line-to-neutral) with power factor adjustment.

Power (kW)

Voltage (Volts)

Current Type

Voltage Reference

Power Factor

= 24.51 amps

(5 × 1000) ÷ (240 × 0.85) = 24.51A

See full breakdown for 5kW at 240V (AC 1Φ)

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What Is kW to Amps?

Kilowatts (kW) measure power in thousands of watts. Converting to amps tells you the current draw so you can size breakers, wire, and panels. Equipment rated above 1,000 watts is typically expressed in kW: HVAC systems, EV chargers, welding machines, and industrial motors.

The Formulas

DC

Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ Volts

Used for battery banks, solar arrays, and DC drives. The 1000 factor converts kilowatts to watts before dividing by voltage. No power factor is needed.

AC Single Phase

Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ (Volts × PF)

Used for residential and light commercial loads at 120V or 240V. Power factor accounts for reactive current in motors, compressors, and electronic ballasts. Typical PF: 0.85 for mixed loads, 0.80 for standard motors.

AC Three Phase

Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ (V_L-L × √3 × PF)

Used for commercial and industrial equipment at 208V, 400V, or 480V line-to-line. At a given real power, three-phase distributes the current across three line conductors instead of one, so each line carries less current than the single-phase equivalent at the same line-to-line voltage. Lower current per conductor generally reduces I²R loss over the run and often allows a smaller conductor and overcurrent device for the same duty, which is part of why commercial panels and large motors use three-phase distribution. Actual conductor and OCP sizing still depends on the equipment nameplate, NEC Article 430 / 440 provisions for motors and HVAC, conductor and termination temperature, and local code.

Note: 277V is not a three-phase L-L voltage on this site. 277V is the line-to-neutral leg of a 480Y/277V wye system and is almost always used as a single-phase lighting branch (one phase conductor to neutral), so the single-phase formula above applies. If you're sizing a balanced three-phase load on a 480Y/277V system, use the 480V L-L entry instead.

Common Equipment Rated in kW

Equipment	Typical kW	Typical Phase
Window AC unit	1-2 kW	Single
Central AC (3 ton)	3-5 kW	Single/Three
EV Charger Level 2	7-19 kW	Single
Commercial HVAC	10-50 kW	Three
Welding machine	5-15 kW	Single/Three
Industrial motor	5-200 kW	Three

Quick Results Table

Each column uses the primary interpretation for its voltage so the table lines up with the result pages: 120/230/240V as AC single-phase at PF 0.85, 208/400/480V as AC three-phase L-L at PF 0.85. Three-phase cells show the line current (what a clamp meter reads on one conductor) for a given total real power in the kW column. Click any cell for the full breakdown.

kW	120V 1Φ PF 0.85	208V 3Φ L-L PF 0.85	230V 1Φ PF 0.85	240V 1Φ PF 0.85	400V 3Φ L-L PF 0.85	480V 3Φ L-L PF 0.85
1 kW	9.8A	3.27A	5.12A	4.9A	1.7A	1.42A
2 kW	19.61A	6.53A	10.23A	9.8A	3.4A	2.83A
3 kW	29.41A	9.8A	15.35A	14.71A	5.09A	4.25A
5 kW	49.02A	16.33A	25.58A	24.51A	8.49A	7.08A
7.5 kW	73.53A	24.49A	38.36A	36.76A	12.74A	10.61A
10 kW	98.04A	32.66A	51.15A	49.02A	16.98A	14.15A
15 kW	147.06A	48.98A	76.73A	73.53A	25.47A	21.23A
20 kW	196.08A	65.31A	102.3A	98.04A	33.96A	28.3A
50 kW	490.2A	163.28A	255.75A	245.1A	84.9A	70.75A
100 kW	980.39A	326.56A	511.51A	490.2A	169.81A	141.51A

Related Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert kW to amps? expand_more

The formula depends on the circuit type. DC: Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ Volts. AC single-phase: Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ (Volts × PF). AC three-phase line-to-line: Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ (V_L-L × √3 × PF), where V_L-L is the line-to-line voltage and the result is the current per line (what a clamp meter reads on one conductor). If you only know the line-to-neutral voltage on a balanced wye system, you can use the equivalent form Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ (3 × V_L-N × PF). Power factor only applies to AC.

How many amps is 5 kW at 240V? expand_more

On a residential 240V AC single-phase circuit at PF 0.85 (the most common interpretation for dryers, water heaters, EV chargers, and HVAC), 5 kW draws about 24.51 amps. On DC or a PF 1.0 resistive load, the same 5 kW at 240V is 20.83 amps. Use the calculator above for any kW and voltage.

What is the difference between kW and kVA? expand_more

kW measures real power (actual work done). kVA measures apparent power (voltage times current). kW = kVA × Power Factor. For purely resistive loads, kW equals kVA.

Why do industrial systems use kilowatts instead of watts? expand_more

Industrial and commercial equipment operates at higher power levels. Using kW keeps numbers manageable. 50,000W is easier to express as 50 kW. The math is identical, just scaled by 1000.

How many amps does an EV charger draw? expand_more

A standard Level 2 EV charger (7.2 kW) at 240V draws about 30 amps. A Level 1 charger (1.4 kW) at 120V draws about 12 amps. DC fast chargers (50-350 kW) use much higher currents at higher voltages.

This calculator provides estimates for reference purposes only. Always consult a licensed electrician and verify compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local electrical codes before performing any electrical work.

Standards & References

This page cites the following electrical codes and standards. Always consult the current edition of your local adopted standard for authoritative requirements.

NEC Table 310.16. Allowable ampacities of insulated conductors rated up to 2000V, 60°C through 90°C, not more than three current-carrying conductors in raceway or cable.
National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 310, Conductors for General Wiring. Reference →
NEC 240.4(D). Small conductor rule: overcurrent protection shall not exceed 15A for 14 AWG, 20A for 12 AWG, and 30A for 10 AWG copper, regardless of ampacity table values.
National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 240, Overcurrent Protection. Reference →
IEC 60038. IEC standard voltages. Defines 230/400V as the nominal low-voltage supply for 50Hz systems, which harmonized European residential supply in 1995.
International Electrotechnical Commission. Reference →

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for reference. Always consult a licensed electrician and the current edition of your local adopted electrical code before performing electrical work.