kW (kilowatt) to kVA (kilovolt-ampere) calculator is a online calculator tool utilized in electrical engineering for converting real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA).
Kilowatts indicate the actual power consumed (or) generated in an electrical circuit, whereas kilovolt-amperes represent total power, which includes both real and reactive power.
This calculator assists in understanding the connection between real power (kW) and total perceived power (kVA) in an electrical system. By entering the input value in kilowatts, the calculator generates the equivalent value in kilovolt-amperes. It is an important tool for sizing electrical equipment, estimating loads, and assuring the effective operation of electrical systems by taking both active & reactive power components into consideration.
Kilowatts(KW)
Kilowatts is the standard SI derived unit for describing the amount of power generated by an electrical source. Small amounts of electrical energy are measured in watts, from which the term is derived. High levels of electrical power are measured in kilowatts. Kilowatts are a measure of power that are one thousand times more than watts, with one kilowatt being equal to one thousand watts. Kilowatts are the standard of modern technology and equipment.
During operation, the actual power of an electrical system is measured in kilowatts (kW).
Kilovolt-ampere(kVA)
A kilovolt ampere is abbreviated as kVA. The electrical system’s total power consumption can be determined in terms of kilovolt amperes. It’s the sum of an electrical system’s useful and unnecessary power.
Power Factor
The power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power. Power factor is a measure between 0 to 1.
Difference Between KW and KVA
KW vs KVA
| Parameters | KW (Kilowatt) | KVA (Kilovolt-Ampere) |
| Definition | A qualitative indication of real power in a system and is the usable part of the apparent power. | A measure of apparent power, that is, the total power supplied to circuits. |
| Formula | KW = Voltage (V) x Current (I) x Power Factor (PF) | KVA = Voltage (V) x Current (I) |
| Power Type | Real Power (Active Power) | Apparent Power |
| Power Factor | Contains power factor that represent the phase difference between voltage and current. | It does not include power factor; therefore it is the total of real and reactive power. |
| Usage | Identifies the real power or the real power consumption of electrical appliances. | Applied to describe the apparent power capability of generators, transformers, and other equipment. |
| Relation | kW = kVA x Power Factor | kVA = kW / Power Factor |
| Relevance in Power Systems | Used to evaluate the actual amount of energy that can be either consumed or generated by a device. | It is used in the sizing of electrical equipment such as generators and transformers. |
| Measurement | Expressed in units of energy usage for example electricity tariffs. | Applies to the declaration of electrical capacity in parameters like power and wire, among others. |
| Application | Applicable in regard to energy efficiency and operating costs. | Used in sizing and in capacity planning within power systems. |
| Example | 10 kW motor means that particular motor utilizes 10 kilowatts of real power. | The 10 kVA generator may avail power that is less than 10 kW depending on the power factor involved. |
Conversion Formula
kVA = kW / PF
where,
kW = kilowatts.
kVA = kilovolt ampere.
PF = Power factor.
Conversion Table: KW (Kilowatts) to kVA (Kilovolt-amperes)
The following is the kW to kVA conversion table with a power factor of 0.8:
Important:
The table implies a power factor of 0.8. When there is a difference in the power factor, there will also be a differential in the conversion factor.
| KW (Kilowatts) (Real Power) | kVA (Kilovolt-amperes) (Apparent Power) |
| 1 KW | 1.25 kVA |
| 2 KW | 2.5 kVA |
| 3 KW | 3.75 kVA |
| 4 KW | 5 kVA |
| 5 KW | 6.25 kVA |
| 6 KW | 7.5 kVA |
| 7 KW | 8.75 kVA |
| 8 KW | 10 kVA |
| 9 KW | 11.25 kVA |
| 10 KW | 12.5 kVA |
| 15 KW | 18.75 kVA |
| 20 KW | 25 kVA |
| 25 KW | 31.25 kVA |
| 30 KW | 37.5 kVA |
| 35 KW | 43.75 kVA |
| 40 KW | 50 kVA |
| 50 KW | 62.5 kVA |
| 60 KW | 75 kVA |
| 70 KW | 87.5 kVA |
| 80 KW | 100 kVA |
| 90 KW | 112.5 kVA |
| 100 KW | 125 kVA |
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What’s the difference between kVA and kW?
The fundamental difference between kVA & kW is the existence of a parameter known as the power factor. Once the power factor is determined, we can calculate the system’s power output in kW. Without the power factor, it is safe to rate an electrical system such as a generator or transformer in kVA. Using kVA shows that we are still discussing the system’s potential (or) apparent power.
How can I convert kVA into kW?
To convert kVA to kW, multiply your known kVA value by the electrical system’s power factor. It is also important to keep in mind that the converted kW cannot exceed the apparent power in kVA because the power factor value only ranges from 0 to 1.
What exactly does 500 kVA imply on the 500 kVA generator?
This implies you can get up to 500 kW of power from a generator. However, depending on how you intend to utilize your 500 kVA generator and the power factor of the system you have installed, you may draw less power than expected.
What can be done with a 500 kVA generator?
A 500 kVA generator already has a lot of power. It can power a small house with conventional household equipment such as a refrigerator, water heaters, & even an air conditioner, all running at the same time. However, if you simply need to run vital appliances at home periodically, a 10 kVA generator would enough.
 to kilovolt-amperes (KVA). For your electrical power requirements, you may obtain correct results quickly.){kind=link}