kVA to Amps Calculator

Find current directly from apparent power and line voltage for single and three-phase systems.

RESULT — CURRENT
Formula: A = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ V

How do you convert kVA to amps?

For single-phase, amps = (kVA × 1000) ÷ V. A 10 kVA single-phase supply at 240 V gives (10 × 1000) ÷ 240 = 41.7 A. For three-phase, amps = (kVA × 1000) ÷ (√3 × V): a 10 kVA, 400 V three-phase supply gives 10000 ÷ (1.732 × 400) = 14.4 A.

kVA to Amps Formula

Single-phase
A = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ V

Multiply kVA by 1,000 to convert to VA (volt-amps), then divide by the line voltage. This gives the current in amps for a single-phase system. Example: 5 kVA at 120 V to (5,000) ÷ 120 = 41.67 A.

Three-phase
A = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ (V × √3)

For three-phase, divide by voltage and the square root of 3 (≈ 1.7321). The √3 factor arises from the 120° phase angle between conductors. Use line-to-line voltage (e.g. 400 V, 480 V). Example: 5 kVA at 400 V to 5,000 ÷ (400 × 1.7321) = 7.22 A.

kVA to Amps Reference Table — Single-phase

kVA Amps @ 120 V Amps @ 240 V
1 kVA 8.3333 A 4.1667 A
2 kVA 16.6667 A 8.3333 A
5 kVA 41.6667 A 20.8333 A
10 kVA 83.3333 A 41.6667 A
20 kVA 166.6667 A 83.3333 A
50 kVA 416.6667 A 208.3333 A

Single-phase vs Three-phase

Single-phase (1Ø)

One live conductor plus a neutral. Power is delivered as a single sinusoidal wave. Common in homes, small offices, and retail units up to around 10 kVA. Higher current per conductor for the same power.

A = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ V
Three-phase (3Ø)

Three live conductors, each offset 120° apart. Delivers three times the power at the same current, making it ideal for motors, data centres, and industrial sites. Far more efficient for loads above 10 kVA.

A = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ (V × √3)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert kVA to amps?

Multiply kVA by 1,000 and divide by the voltage. For single-phase: A = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ V. For three-phase: A = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ (V × √3). For example, 10 kVA at 240 V single-phase gives (10 × 1,000) ÷ 240 = 41.67 A.

What is the formula to convert kVA to amps?
  • Single-phase: A = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ V
  • Three-phase: A = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ (V × √3), where √3 ≈ 1.7321

Note that kVA is apparent power — it does not account for power factor, unlike kW (real power). Use kVA when sizing cables, fuses, and switchgear.

How many amps is 5 kVA at 240V?
  • Single-phase at 240 V: (5 × 1,000) ÷ 240 = 20.83 A
  • Three-phase at 240 V (L-L): (5 × 1,000) ÷ (240 × 1.7321) = 12.03 A

Three-phase draws less current per conductor because load is shared across three wires.

What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase?

Single-phase power uses one live conductor and a neutral, delivering power as a single sinusoidal wave. It is standard in homes and small offices. Three-phase power uses three live conductors, each carrying a wave offset by 120°. For the same kVA, three-phase requires significantly less current per conductor, making it more efficient for large motors, industrial equipment, and commercial buildings.