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Single conversion
To convert from Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) to Volt-Ampere (VA), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) to Volt-Ampere (VA).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) is equal to Volt-Ampere (VA).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) to Volt-Ampere (VA):
| Kilovolt-Amperes | Volt-Amperes |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 kVA | VA |
| 0.001 kVA | VA |
| 0.1 kVA | VA |
| 1 kVA | VA |
| 2 kVA | VA |
| 3 kVA | VA |
| 4 kVA | VA |
| 5 kVA | VA |
| 6 kVA | VA |
| 7 kVA | VA |
| 8 kVA | VA |
| 9 kVA | VA |
| 10 kVA | VA |
| 20 kVA | VA |
| 30 kVA | VA |
| 40 kVA | VA |
| 50 kVA | VA |
| 100 kVA | VA |
| 1000 kVA | VA |
| 10000 kVA | VA |
For all Apparent Power converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
A Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) is a unit of measurement for "apparent power."
Apparent power represents the total amount of power being used in an electrical circuit. One kVA is equal to 1,000 volt-amperes.
Think of it as the complete power load, which is why kVA is the most important measurement for correctly sizing heavy-duty electrical equipment.
Apparent power (kVA) is a combination of two distinct types of power:
You can calculate kVA using a simple formula.
For a single-phase circuit, which is common in most homes and small businesses, the kVA formula is:
kVA = (Voltage × Amperes) / 1000
For example, a 240-volt circuit drawing 50 amps would have an apparent power of 12 kVA.
(240 Volts × 50 Amps) / 1000 = 12 kVA
This is the most crucial part: Key equipment like generators, transformers, and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are all rated in kVA.
This kVA rating tells you the true maximum load the equipment can safely handle.
If you only look at the real power (kW) when sizing a generator or UPS, you risk choosing a unit that is too small.
An undersized unit can overload, overheat, or fail when you need it most.
The kVA rating provides the complete power picture, ensuring your equipment can handle both the "useful" (kW) and "wasted" (kVAR) power safely.
A Volt-Ampere (VA) is a unit of measurement for "apparent power" in an electrical circuit.
It represents the total power supplied by a source, which is critical for understanding a device's full electrical load.
Think of VA as the total potential power a device can draw.
In contrast, Watts (W) measures the actual working power the device consumes.
This is the key difference between "apparent power" (VA) and "real power" (Watts). The VA rating is always greater than or equal to the wattage.
The difference between these two measurements is known as the "power factor (PF)."
The VA rating is crucial for correctly sizing equipment like uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and transformers.
Why? Because these devices must support the entire electrical load—which includes both real and reactive power—not just the power being actively used.
Sizing a UPS based only on Watts could lead to overloading and system failure, as it wouldn't account for the total current the connected devices draw.
The formula to calculate Volt-Amperes is straightforward:
VA = Volts Amperes
By multiplying a device's operating voltage by the current (in amps) it draws, you can determine its apparent power.
This calculation is essential for IT professionals and electricians when assessing power needs or planning for new hardware.