VA to kVA Calculator

Q: How many VA are in 1 kVA?

1 kVA equals exactly 1,000 VA. Kilo is the SI prefix for one thousand.

Q: Is 1 kVA the same as 1,000 watts?

Only when the power factor is 1.0, as with purely resistive loads like heaters. For other loads, watts = VA × power factor. For example, 1 kVA at a power factor of 0.8 is 800 watts.

Q: How do I convert 1,500 VA to kVA?

Divide by 1,000: 1,500 VA ÷ 1,000 = 1.5 kVA.

Q: Why are transformers rated in kVA?

A transformer's heating depends on the current flowing through its windings, not on how much of that current does useful work. Apparent power (volts × amps) reflects that limit, so transformers are rated in kVA rather than kW.

Q: How many amps is 5 kVA?

On a 230 V single-phase supply, 5,000 VA ÷ 230 V = 21.7 A. On a 400 V three-phase supply, 5,000 ÷ (400 × √3) = 7.2 A per line.

Convert volt-amps (VA) to kilovolt-amps (kVA) by dividing by 1,000. Used to read UPS, inverter and transformer ratings, which are given in apparent power.

🔋 APPARENT POWER

KILOVOLT-AMPS

25 kVA

FORMULA

kVA = VA / 1,000

IN MVA

0.025 MVA

💡 How to Convert VA to kVA

To convert VA to kVA, divide the volt-amps by 1,000. The prefix kilo means one thousand, so 1 kVA = 1,000 VA. Both units measure the same thing, apparent power, so no voltage or power factor is needed for this conversion.

VA to kVA formula

kVA = VA ÷ 1,000

Example: 25,000 VA ÷ 1,000 = 25 kVA

Worked examples

Office UPS: a 1,500 VA UPS is 1.5 kVA.
Pole-mounted transformer: a 25,000 VA distribution transformer is 25 kVA.
Small inverter: a 750 VA home inverter is 0.75 kVA.

VA to kVA conversion table

Volt-amps (VA)	Kilovolt-amps (kVA)
100	0.1
500	0.5
600	0.6
750	0.75
1,000	1
1,500	1.5
2,000	2
3,000	3
5,000	5
10,000	10
15,000	15
25,000	25
50,000	50
75,000	75
100,000	100

Apparent, real and reactive power

AC power has three parts, often drawn as the power triangle. Apparent power (VA or kVA) is voltage × current: what the wiring, breaker and transformer actually carry. Real power (W or kW) is the part that does useful work, such as heat, light or motion. Reactive power (VAR) is the part that flows back and forth to build magnetic and electric fields in motors, transformers and capacitors. The power factor (PF) is the ratio of real to apparent power, between 0 and 1.

W = VA × PF · VA = W ÷ PF · VAR = √(VA² − W²)

Why equipment is rated in VA or kVA, not watts

Transformers, UPS units, inverters and generators are limited by the current they can carry before overheating, whatever the load's power factor. Apparent power (volts × amps) captures that limit, so manufacturers rate them in VA or kVA. The real power they can deliver in watts depends on the power factor of what you plug in.

Common mistakes

Treating kVA as kW. They are equal only when the power factor is 1.0. A 5 kVA unit at PF 0.8 delivers 4 kW of real power. Use the kVA to kW calculator for that step.
Dividing by 1,024. That convention belongs to computer memory. Electrical prefixes are decimal: always divide by 1,000.

Related conversions: kVA to VA · VA to amps · VA to kW

1 kVA = 1,000 VA. Divide VA by 1,000 to get kVA; no voltage or power factor is needed.