Volt-amps (VA) to Kilowatts (kW) Conversion Calculator
Convert volt-amps (VA) to kilowatts (kW) by entering the power in kW and power factor below.
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How to Convert Volt-amps to Kilowatts
Both kilowatts and volt-amps measure electrical power. Kilowatts are a measure of real power, while volt-amps are a measure of apparent power.
Electrical power is a measure of the instantaneous rate at which electrical energy is generated at the power station and the total energy delivered to an electrical device connected to the power station.
The generated apparent power is measured in volt-amperes; one VA is equal to the power that would flow when one volt is applied to cause a current flow of one ampere through a device.
The delivered real power is measured in watts (W); one watt equals one joule of energy supplied to a device in one second. In an electrical power system, power is calculated in a higher unit, kilowatts (kW), due to the large electrical loads connected to the power system at any given time. One kW of power is equal to 1,000 watts of power.
The difference between generated apparent power and delivered real power arises due to nonlinear elements of the grid, i.e., the capacitive and inductive elements of the transmission network and connected load. These components have electrostatic and magnetic fields to store energy and require some power loss in terms of reactive power.
The difference between the two is conceptualized by the value of the system power factor, which should ideally be equal to 1. Thus, the total generated apparent power is not always used for real work due to the power factor; converting between them requires a formula.
VA to kW Conversion Formula
The formula to convert volt-amps to kilowatts is:
P(kW) = S(VA) × PF / 1,000
The real power P in kilowatts is equal to the apparent power S in volt-amps times the power factor PF, divided by 1,000.
By reversing this formula, you can also convert kW to VA.
For example, follow this example to convert 45 VA with a power factor of 80% to kilowatts.
P(kW) = 45 VA × 0.8 / 1,000
P(kW) = 36 VA / 1,000
P(kW) = 0.036 kW
Volt-amps to Kilowatts Conversion Chart
Apparent Power (VA) | Real Power (kW) |
---|---|
6,250 VA | 5 kW |
9,375 VA | 7.5 kW |
12,500 VA | 10 kW |
18,750 VA | 15 kW |
25,000 VA | 20 kW |
31,250 VA | 25 kW |
37,500 VA | 30 kW |
50,000 VA | 40 kW |
62,500 VA | 50 kW |
75,000 VA | 60 kW |
93,750 VA | 75 kW |
125,000 VA | 100 kW |