kW to kVA Calculator
Enter real power in kW and power factor to calculate apparent power in kVA instantly. Used for generator, UPS and transformer sizing.
How do you convert kW to kVA?
Divide kW by the power factor: kVA = kW ÷ PF. An 8 kW load at PF 0.8 equals 8 ÷ 0.8 = 10 kVA. This is the inverse of the kVA to kW formula and is critical when sizing generators and UPS units, which are rated in kVA but loads are usually specified in kW.
kW to kVA Conversion Table (kVA = kW ÷ PF)
| Real Power (kW) | PF 0.7 | PF 0.8 | PF 0.9 | PF 1.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.429 kVA | 1.250 kVA | 1.111 kVA | 1.000 kVA |
| 5 kW | 7.143 kVA | 6.250 kVA | 5.556 kVA | 5.000 kVA |
| 8 kW | 11.43 kVA | 10.00 kVA | 8.889 kVA | 8.000 kVA |
| 10 kW | 14.29 kVA | 12.50 kVA | 11.11 kVA | 10.00 kVA |
| 25 kW | 35.71 kVA | 31.25 kVA | 27.78 kVA | 25.00 kVA |
| 100 kW | 142.9 kVA | 125.0 kVA | 111.1 kVA | 100.0 kVA |
Formula
Where: kVA = apparent power in kilovolt-amps, kW = real power in kilowatts, PF = power factor (0–1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Divide kW by the power factor: kVA = kW ÷ PF. For a 10 kW load at 0.85 PF, the result is 10 ÷ 0.85 ≈ 11.76 kVA.
For mixed AC loads, 0.8 is a widely used conservative default. For motor-dominated loads, 0.85 is common. For data-centre UPS, manufacturers often assume 0.9 PF. Always check the equipment nameplate or data sheet when possible.
Only at PF = 1.0, which occurs with purely resistive loads (electric heaters, incandescent lamps). For all inductive or capacitive loads in AC circuits, kVA > kW.
Multiply kVA by the power factor: kW = kVA × PF. Use the kVA to kW calculator for the reverse conversion.