Example
5 kW at 230 V single phase
The load power factor is 0.9.
Current = 5 × 1,000 ÷ (230 × 0.9) = 24.15 A
Result: 24.15 A.
Power calculator
kW to Amps Calculator
Convert real kilowatts to current without confusing kW with kVA. Choose DC, single-phase or balanced three-phase and enter the correct voltage and power factor.
Current24.15 A
Calculation breakdown
| System | Single-phase AC |
|---|---|
| Real power | 5 kW |
| Apparent power | 5.556 kVA |
I = kW × 1,000 ÷ (V × PF) = 5 × 1,000 ÷ (230 × 0.9) = 24.15 A
Method
How the number is reached
Kilowatts are first converted to watts. The current relationship then depends on system type, and AC real power requires power factor.
For three-phase systems, enter line-to-line voltage; the result is balanced current in each line.
DC: I = kW × 1,000 ÷ V Single phase: I = kW × 1,000 ÷ (V × PF) Three phase: I = kW × 1,000 ÷ (√3 × VLL × PF)
Symbols
- kW
- Real power in kilowatts
Worked examples
The same maths, applied
Limits of the model
What it assumes, and where it stops
Assumptions
AC power factor is known and three-phase loads are balanced.
Not covered
Does not size conductors, breakers or motor starting current.
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
Related calculators
Watts to Amps Calculator
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.
Amps to Watts Calculator
Convert current to real power using the relationship for your electrical system. AC results keep power factor and apparent power visible.
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.
Three-Phase Current Calculator
Calculate balanced three-phase line current while stating whether your power figure is electrical input kW, motor mechanical output kW or apparent kVA.
All power calculators →
Last meaningful update: 2026-08-19. This date changes only when the model, the sources or the guidance change.