Example
10 kVA on 400 V three phase
The balanced load has a 0.8 power factor.
Current = 10,000 ÷ (1.732 × 400) = 14.43 A Real power = 10 kVA × 0.8 = 8 kW
Result: 14.43 A.
Power calculator
kVA to Amps Calculator
Convert apparent power to current for single-phase or balanced three-phase systems. Because kVA already includes voltage and current, power factor is not applied to the current formula.
Current14.43 A
Calculation breakdown
| System | Three-phase AC (line-to-line) |
|---|---|
| Modeled real powerkVA × entered power factor; power factor does not change the current for known kVA | 8 kW |
I = kVA × 1,000 ÷ (√3 × VLL) = 10 × 1,000 ÷ (1.732 × 400) = 14.43 A
- Power factor is not in the kVA-to-current denominator because kVA already represents apparent power. It is used only to show the corresponding real kW.
Method
How the number is reached
Single-phase apparent power is V × I. Balanced three-phase apparent power is √3 × line-to-line voltage × line current.
Power factor converts apparent kVA to real kW; it must not be applied again when current is already derived from kVA.
Single phase: I = kVA × 1,000 ÷ V Three phase: I = kVA × 1,000 ÷ (√3 × VLL) Real kW = kVA × PF
Symbols
- kVA
- Apparent power in kilovolt-amperes
Worked examples
The same maths, applied
Limits of the model
What it assumes, and where it stops
Assumptions
Three-phase loads are balanced and voltage is line-to-line.
Not covered
Does not model harmonics, neutral current or phase unbalance.
Sources
Where these figures come from
- Electrical Installation Guide (IEC-based)Schneider ElectricReference for single-phase and three-phase power relationships and power factor.
- IEC 60050 — International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (Electropedia)International Electrotechnical CommissionStandard terminology for electrical quantities, including apparent power and power factor.
- SI UnitsNIST Office of Weights and MeasuresDefinitions of the volt, ampere, watt and joule used for the unit conventions on this site.
Next steps
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Current depends on more than watts and volts. Pick your system type so the calculation uses the right relationship — power factor for AC, and √3 for three-phase.
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Last meaningful update: 2026-08-19. This date changes only when the model, the sources or the guidance change.