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Choose single-phase or three-phase, enter the voltage and the kVA (or the amps for the other direction). kVA is apparent power, so no power factor is needed for this conversion.

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Pick what you know and what you want to find.
Generators and transformers above a few kVA are usually three-phase.
Where do I find this?

The nameplate shows 1~ or 1-phase for single-phase, 3~ or 3-phase for three-phase.

Three-phase: the voltage between two phases (400 V, 480 V, 208 V). Single-phase: 230 V or 120/240 V.
Where do I find this?

The nameplate of the generator, transformer or supply states the voltage.

From the nameplate, in kVA.
Where do I find this?

Generators, transformers and UPS units are rated in kVA. 1 kVA = 1000 VA.

Result

Enter your values to see the result.

Current per phase
– A
Apparent power
– VA

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How it is calculated

  • Single-phase: amps = kVA × 1000 ÷ volts
  • Three-phase: amps = kVA × 1000 ÷ (√3 × volts)
  • Amps to kVA: kVA = volts × amps ÷ 1000 (× √3 for three-phase)

Example

A 10 kVA three-phase generator at 400 V supplies up to 10 × 1000 ÷ (1.732 × 400) ≈ 14.4 A per phase. A 10 kVA single-phase unit at 230 V supplies about 43.5 A.

What this estimate leaves out

The result is the full-load current. Motors draw much more when they start, and cables and breakers need margins and local rules. Ask a qualified electrician before sizing them.

Written and reviewed by QLines, Cologne · Last reviewed

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you convert kVA to amps?

Single-phase: amps = kVA × 1000 ÷ volts. Three-phase: amps = kVA × 1000 ÷ (1.732 × volts). Example: 10 kVA at 400 V three-phase is about 14.4 A.

What is the difference between kVA and kW?

kVA is apparent power (volts × amps); kW is the real power that does work. kW = kVA × power factor. The kVA to kW calculator converts between them.

How many amps is a 100 kVA transformer?

At 400 V three-phase about 144 A per phase; at 480 V about 120 A.

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