Enter apparent power
Type the equipment, transformer, generator, UPS, or load rating and select VA, kVA, or MVA.
Electrical & Energy Tool
kVA-to-Amps Calculator
Convert apparent power in VA, kVA, or MVA to electrical current for single-phase and balanced three-phase AC systems. Choose the correct voltage basis and see the exact formula used.
Single and three phase
V, kV, VA, kVA and MVA
Formula-backed current results
How to use the kVA-to-amps calculator
The calculator converts apparent power to volt-amperes, applies the correct phase formula, and returns the resulting line current in amperes.
Select voltage and phase
Enter the actual AC voltage, choose single or three phase, and set the correct three-phase voltage basis.
Review current and formula
Read the current in amps and verify the equation, substituted values, and electrical assumptions.
Understanding kVA, voltage, and current
Kilovolt-amperes describe apparent power in an AC system. Current depends on both the apparent-power rating and the applied voltage, while the phase arrangement changes the relationship between those values.
kVA-to-amps formulas
Single-phase AC
I = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ VThree-phase, line-to-line voltage
I = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ (√3 × VLL)Three-phase, line-to-neutral voltage
I = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ (3 × VLN)Why power factor is not entered
kVA is apparent power, which already represents the product of RMS voltage and RMS current. Therefore, converting kVA directly to amps does not require power factor.
Power factor becomes necessary when converting between real power in kilowatts and current. For example, a kW-to-amps calculation for an AC motor requires its power factor and may also require efficiency.
Quick reference examples
| Apparent power | System | Voltage | Calculation | Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kVA | Single phase | 230 V | 10,000 ÷ 230 | 43.48 A |
| 25 kVA | Three phase | 400 V L-L | 25,000 ÷ (√3 × 400) | 36.08 A |
| 100 kVA | Three phase | 415 V L-L | 100,000 ÷ (√3 × 415) | 139.12 A |
| 500 kVA | Three phase | 480 V L-L | 500,000 ÷ (√3 × 480) | 601.41 A |
| 1 MVA | Three phase | 11 kV L-L | 1,000,000 ÷ (√3 × 11,000) | 52.49 A |
Do not use the calculated current alone to select cables or protective devices. Final electrical design may need continuous-load factors, conductor derating, temperature, installation method, harmonics, starting current, fault level, voltage drop, and local code requirements.
kVA-to-amps calculator FAQs
How do I convert kVA to amps?
Convert kVA to VA by multiplying by 1,000. For single phase, divide VA by voltage. For balanced three phase using line-to-line voltage, divide VA by the square root of three multiplied by the line voltage.
How many amps is 100 kVA at 400 volts three phase?
At 400 V line-to-line, 100 kVA is approximately 144.34 A: 100,000 ÷ (√3 × 400).
Does kVA-to-amps conversion need power factor?
No. kVA measures apparent power, so the direct conversion to current uses apparent power and voltage. Power factor is required when working from real power in kW instead.
Which three-phase voltage should I enter?
Use the system voltage shown on the nameplate or supply documentation. Most three-phase ratings quote line-to-line voltage, such as 400 V, 415 V, or 480 V. Select line-to-neutral only when the entered value is specifically a phase-to-neutral voltage.
Is transformer kVA the same as usable kW?
No. kVA is apparent power and kW is real power. The available kW depends primarily on power factor and may also be limited by efficiency, loading, temperature rise, and manufacturer requirements.
Can this calculator size a breaker or cable?
It provides a theoretical current from kVA and voltage, but breaker and cable selection requires additional design factors and compliance with the electrical rules applicable to the installation.
Electrical safety reminderUse verified nameplate data and have final circuit, conductor, and protection decisions checked by a qualified electrical professional.