kW to Amps Calculator
Convert kilowatts (kW) to amps for DC, single-phase and three-phase circuits: divide kW × 1,000 by voltage (and by power factor and √3 for AC).
CURRENT
20.83 A
KILOWATTS
5 kW
CIRCUIT
DC
FORMULA
I=(kW×1000)/V
kW to Amps — Reference Table
| kW | 120V | 208V | 240V | 480V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 8.33 A | 4.81 A | 4.17 A | 2.08 A |
| 2 kW | 16.67 A | 9.62 A | 8.33 A | 4.17 A |
| 3 kW | 25 A | 14.42 A | 12.5 A | 6.25 A |
| 5 kW | 41.67 A | 24.04 A | 20.83 A | 10.42 A |
| 7.5 kW | 62.5 A | 36.06 A | 31.25 A | 15.63 A |
| 10 kW | 83.33 A | 48.08 A | 41.67 A | 20.83 A |
| 15 kW | 125 A | 72.12 A | 62.5 A | 31.25 A |
| 20 kW | 166.67 A | 96.15 A | 83.33 A | 41.67 A |
| 25 kW | 208.33 A | 120.19 A | 104.17 A | 52.08 A |
| 50 kW | 416.67 A | 240.38 A | 208.33 A | 104.17 A |
💡 How to Convert kW to Amps
To convert kW to amps, multiply the kilowatts by 1,000 to get watts, then divide by the voltage. For AC, also divide by the power factor, and for three-phase divide by √3 as well. The result is the current the load draws, which determines cable size and breaker rating.
kW to amps formulas
Single-phase AC: I = kW × 1,000 ÷ (V × PF)
Three-phase AC: I = kW × 1,000 ÷ (VL-L × PF × √3)
Worked examples
- 7 kW EV charger, single-phase 230 V (PF 1.0): 7,000 ÷ 230 = 30.4 A, which is why these chargers use a 32 A circuit.
- 5 kW load at 240 V single-phase (PF 0.85): 5,000 ÷ (240 × 0.85) = 24.5 A.
- 22 kW three-phase charger at 400 V (PF 1.0): 22,000 ÷ (400 × 1.732) = 31.8 A per phase.
kW to amps table
120 V column assumes PF 1.0; 230/240 V columns use PF 0.9; three-phase columns use PF 0.85.
| kW | 120 V | 230 V 1φ | 240 V 1φ | 400 V 3φ | 480 V 3φ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8.3 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 1.7 | 1.4 |
| 2 | 16.7 | 9.7 | 9.3 | 3.4 | 2.8 |
| 3 | 25 | 14.5 | 13.9 | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| 5 | 41.7 | 24.2 | 23.1 | 8.5 | 7.1 |
| 7.5 | 62.5 | 36.2 | 34.7 | 12.7 | 10.6 |
| 10 | 83.3 | 48.3 | 46.3 | 17 | 14.2 |
| 15 | 125 | 72.5 | 69.4 | 25.5 | 21.2 |
| 20 | 166.7 | 96.6 | 92.6 | 34 | 28.3 |
| 30 | 250 | 144.9 | 138.9 | 50.9 | 42.5 |
| 50 | 416.7 | 241.5 | 231.5 | 84.9 | 70.8 |
| 100 | 833.3 | 483.1 | 463 | 169.8 | 141.5 |
From amps to cable and breaker size
Once you know the current, choose a breaker at or above it and a cable rated for that breaker, allowing for installation method, cable length (voltage drop) and ambient temperature. In the US, continuous loads need circuits rated at 125% of the load current. Electrical work should follow local codes and be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting power factor on AC motor loads, which underestimates current.
- Using 230 V with the three-phase formula. In a 400/230 V system, use 400 V (line-to-line) in the three-phase formula.
Related conversions: amps to kW · kVA to amps · watts to amps