Kilovolt-Amps Calculator

Understanding Kilovolt-Amps Calculator

kVA (kilovolt-amperes) is a measure of apparent power in AC circuits. It includes both real power (kW) and reactive power (kVAR).

How to use this calculator

1. Enter the voltage value in volts, \(V\).
2. Enter the current value in amps, \(I\).
3. Use the calculator to compute apparent power in \(kVA\).
4. Check the result to see the system's total power demand in kilovolt-amperes.

The formula explained

The formula \(kVA = \frac{V \times I}{1000}\) computes apparent power by multiplying voltage and current, then dividing by \(1000\) to convert from volt-amperes to kilovolt-amperes. It is useful when you want the total electrical load before considering power factor.

• kVA = apparent power in kilovolt-amperes
• V = voltage in volts
• I = current in amps

Step by step method

1. Multiply the voltage by the current to get apparent power in volt-amperes.
2. Divide that product by \(1000\) to convert to kilovolt-amperes.
3. Report the result in \(kVA\).

Worked example

Problem. A device runs at \(240\) volts and draws \(18\) amps. Find the apparent power in \(kVA\).

1. Use the formula, \(kVA = \frac{V \times I}{1000}\).
2. Substitute the values, \(kVA = \frac{240 \times 18}{1000}\).
3. Calculate, \(kVA = \frac{4320}{1000} = 4.32\).

Tips and common mistakes

• Make sure voltage is in volts and current is in amps before using the formula.
• Do not confuse \(kVA\) with \(kW\), because \(kVA\) is apparent power and \(kW\) depends on power factor.

Frequently asked questions