kW to kVA Calculator
Convert kW to kVA instantly: enter kW and power factor in the calculator below for generators, UPS, transformers, and single- or three-phase loads.
Calculator
Quick: value and PF presets. Advanced: conversion direction and PF band refine kVA for mixed motor / IT loads.
Inputs (kW, PF, and direction)
Used by engineers for electrical load calculation and equipment sizing. A kW to kVA conversion chart at 0.85 PF is below the calculator; expand View full reference table to filter all checkpoints and open prefilled links here.
Tip: Adjust kW or PF to instantly update the result.
About this calculator
Turn planning kW and a realistic power factor into required kVA for motors, UPS systems, distribution transformers, and general industrial loads, before you size feeders or upstream equipment. For broader energy and current workflows, use the power calculator hub.
Calculation Results
Based on standard power factor assumptions used in industrial equipment sizing.
Engineering disclaimer
This calculator provides power conversion estimates only. For final electrical system design, equipment sizing, and power factor correction, consult a licensed electrical engineer or certified professional. Actual power requirements may vary based on detailed load analysis, harmonics, and specific application requirements.
kW to kVA Conversion Chart (PF 0.85)
Use kVA = kW ÷ PF at 0.85 PF. The chart lists common kW steps for generator and transformer planning. Open a row to load values in the calculator, or expand View full reference table for all 35 kW steps with a filter.
| Real Power (kW) | Power Factor (PF) | Apparent Power (kVA) | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.85 | 1.18 | Open |
| 5 | 0.85 | 5.88 | Open |
| 10 | 0.85 | 11.76 | Open |
| 20 | 0.85 | 23.53 | Open |
| 25 | 0.85 | 29.41 | Open |
| 30 | 0.85 | 35.29 | Open |
| 50 | 0.85 | 58.82 | Open |
| 63 | 0.85 | 74.12 | Open |
| 75 | 0.85 | 88.24 | Open |
| 100 | 0.85 | 117.65 | Open |
| 125 | 0.85 | 147.06 | Open |
| 200 | 0.85 | 235.29 | Open |
| 250 | 0.85 | 294.12 | Open |
| 500 | 0.85 | 588.24 | Open |
| 1000 | 0.85 | 1176.47 | Open |
View full reference table
| Real Power (kW) | Power Factor (PF) | Apparent Power (kVA) | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.85 | 1.18 | Open |
| 2 | 0.85 | 2.35 | Open |
| 3 | 0.85 | 3.53 | Open |
| 4 | 0.85 | 4.71 | Open |
| 5 | 0.85 | 5.88 | Open |
| 6 | 0.85 | 7.06 | Open |
| 7 | 0.85 | 8.24 | Open |
| 8 | 0.85 | 9.41 | Open |
| 9 | 0.85 | 10.59 | Open |
| 10 | 0.85 | 11.76 | Open |
| 12 | 0.85 | 14.12 | Open |
| 15 | 0.85 | 17.65 | Open |
| 18 | 0.85 | 21.18 | Open |
| 20 | 0.85 | 23.53 | Open |
| 22 | 0.85 | 25.88 | Open |
| 25 | 0.85 | 29.41 | Open |
| 30 | 0.85 | 35.29 | Open |
| 35 | 0.85 | 41.18 | Open |
| 40 | 0.85 | 47.06 | Open |
| 45 | 0.85 | 52.94 | Open |
| 50 | 0.85 | 58.82 | Open |
| 63 | 0.85 | 74.12 | Open |
| 75 | 0.85 | 88.24 | Open |
| 90 | 0.85 | 105.88 | Open |
| 110 | 0.85 | 129.41 | Open |
| 125 | 0.85 | 147.06 | Open |
| 160 | 0.85 | 188.24 | Open |
| 200 | 0.85 | 235.29 | Open |
| 250 | 0.85 | 294.12 | Open |
| 315 | 0.85 | 370.59 | Open |
| 400 | 0.85 | 470.59 | Open |
| 500 | 0.85 | 588.24 | Open |
| 630 | 0.85 | 741.18 | Open |
| 800 | 0.85 | 941.18 | Open |
| 1000 | 0.85 | 1176.47 | Open |
How to Convert kW to kVA (Formula & Explanation)
To convert kW to kVA (kilowatts to kilovolt-amperes), divide real power by power factor: kVA = kW ÷ PF. This applies to single-phase and balanced three-phase when you use total kW and an equivalent PF.
kVA = kW / Power Factor (PF)
kW to kVA calculation example
If you have 10 kW at 0.85 power factor, apparent power is: kVA = 10 ÷ 0.85 = 11.76 kVA
Tip: Use the kW to kVA calculator above for instant results at 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, or any custom PF between 0.1 and 1.0 — including kW ↔ kVA reverse mode.
Apparent power also follows kW = kVA × PF for the reverse direction. Enter PF from nameplate or field data; motors often sit near 0.80–0.90 and many IT loads near 0.95. For three-phase line relationships, see kW to kVA (3-phase).
kW vs kVA: kW is real power (does work); kVA is apparent power (must be supplied by the source or equipment rating).
Mechanical loads are often rated in hp (horsepower). Use 1 hp ≈ 0.746 kW (IEC) to express motor power in kW, then use the calculator with your PF.
Need kVA → kW? Open kVA → kW mode (this tool) or choose kVA → kW under Conversion Direction in the calculator above. After you have kVA, continue sizing with kVA to amps or transformer sizing when needed.
- kW → kVA: divide real power by PF.
- kVA → kW: multiply apparent power by PF.
- PF is between 0 and 1; use nameplate or measured values when possible.
More context: Power Factor Guide · kW vs kVA · kW to kVA (3-phase) · kVA to amps · Transformer sizing · Power Calculators Hub
kVA² = kW² + kVAR²; with PF known, PF = kW ÷ kVA.
kW to kVA Conversion Chart (Common Loads)
Illustrative kVA from kVA = kW ÷ PF using a representative real-power step per row (not a catalog rating). Adjust kW and PF in the calculator for your case.
| Equipment | Example kW | Typical PF | kVA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Induction motor | 50 | 0.85 | 58.82 |
| UPS / IT bus | 100 | 0.95 | 105.26 |
| Transformer load | 200 | 0.90 | 222.22 |
| VFD drive | 75 | 0.96 | 78.13 |
| HVAC chiller | 250 | 0.88 | 284.09 |
| General mixed load | 63 | 0.85 | 74.12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert kW to kVA?
Divide real power by power factor: kVA = kW ÷ PF. Example: 10 kW at PF 0.85 = 11.76 kVA. Enter kW and PF in the calculator for any load.
How many kVA is in 1 kW?
It depends on PF. At 0.85 PF, 1 kW ≈ 1.18 kVA. At 0.80 PF, 1 kW = 1.25 kVA. Open 1 kW @ 0.85 PF in the calculator.
What is 25 kW in kVA?
At PF 0.85, 25 kW ≈ 29.41 kVA (25 ÷ 0.85). Prefill 25 kW in the calculator.
What is 50 kW in kVA?
At PF 0.85, 50 kW ≈ 58.82 kVA (50 ÷ 0.85). See the conversion chart or open 50 kW in the calculator.
What is 100 kW in kVA?
At PF 0.85, 100 kW ≈ 117.65 kVA (100 ÷ 0.85). Calculate 100 kW with your PF.
What is 200 kW in kVA?
At PF 0.85, 200 kW ≈ 235.29 kVA (200 ÷ 0.85). Add design headroom before generator or transformer selection.
What power factor should I use?
Use nameplate or measured PF first. If unavailable, start with 0.80-0.90 for motors or 0.95 for IT loads, then verify with the calculator.
Why does low PF increase kVA?
At the same kW, lower PF means more apparent power is needed. Use the calculator to compare different PF values and see required kVA instantly.
How do I choose kVA for generator or transformer sizing?
Start from nameplate or measured kW, apply a realistic PF to estimate kVA, then add 15–25% design headroom for harmonics, inrush, and load variation before selecting equipment. Validate assumptions with a licensed engineer for final design.