kVA to Amps Calculator
Find current directly from apparent power and line voltage for single and three-phase systems.
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
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.
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
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) ÷ VThree 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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.