kVA to kW Converter (and kW to kVA)
By Santaji GadepatilinUpdated October 27, 2026
kVA is apparent power — what cables, transformers and generators must carry — while kW is the real power that does useful work. Power factor connects the two, as explained in this guide to power factor, kW, kVA and kVAr and active, reactive and apparent power. This free kVA to kW converter converts instantly in both directions and includes a quick reference table.
How to use the kVA to kW converter
Enter the apparent power in kVA and the power factor. The calculator gives real power (kW) and reactive power (kVAr). To go from kW to kVA, press × on kVA and type the kW.
KVA to kW formulas
kW = kVA × PF · kVA = kW ÷ PF · kVAr = √(kVA² − kW²)
These come from the power triangle: real power (kW) and reactive power (kVAr) are at right angles, and apparent power (kVA) is the hypotenuse.
kVA to kW chart
| kVA | PF 0.8 | PF 0.85 | PF 0.9 | PF 0.95 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.8 kW | 0.85 kW | 0.9 kW | 0.95 kW |
| 5 | 4 kW | 4.25 kW | 4.5 kW | 4.75 kW |
| 10 | 8 kW | 8.5 kW | 9 kW | 9.5 kW |
| 15 | 12 kW | 12.75 kW | 13.5 kW | 14.25 kW |
| 25 | 20 kW | 21.25 kW | 22.5 kW | 23.75 kW |
| 62.5 | 50 kW | 53.125 kW | 56.25 kW | 59.375 kW |
| 100 | 80 kW | 85 kW | 90 kW | 95 kW |
| 125 | 100 kW | 106.25 kW | 112.5 kW | 118.75 kW |
| 250 | 200 kW | 212.5 kW | 225 kW | 237.5 kW |
| 500 | 400 kW | 425 kW | 450 kW | 475 kW |
| 1000 | 800 kW | 850 kW | 900 kW | 950 kW |
Generator (DG set) sizing
- Add up the kW of all loads that may run together.
- Divide by the generator’s rated power factor (usually 0.8) to get kVA.
- Allow for motor starting currents — direct-on-line motors draw 6–8 times their running current briefly.
- Add a margin of 20–25% so the generator does not run continuously near full load.
Example: 60 kW of loads ÷ 0.8 = 75 kVA; with a 25% margin, choose about 100 kVA.
UPS sizing
UPS units list both VA and W. A 1,000 VA UPS rated at 0.6 PF supports only 600 W; modern units often have 0.9–1.0 PF. Size by watts for the connected load.
Power factor of common loads
| Load | Typical PF |
|---|---|
| Resistive heaters, incandescent lamps | 1.0 |
| Induction motor, full load | 0.80–0.90 |
| Induction motor, light load | 0.3–0.6 |
| LED drivers and SMPS (with PFC) | 0.9–0.99 |
| Older fluorescent lighting | 0.5–0.9 |
Improving power factor
Capacitor banks supply reactive power locally so less has to come from the grid. Raising PF from 0.75 to 0.95 on a 100 kW load cuts apparent power from 133 kVA to 105 kVA, reducing current, cable losses and transformer loading. The capacitor bank needed is the difference in kVAr: 55 kVAr.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert kVA to kW?
Multiply kVA by the power factor. 100 kVA at 0.8 power factor is 80 kW.
How do I convert kW to kVA?
Divide kW by the power factor. 80 kW at 0.8 power factor is 100 kVA.
Why are generators rated in kVA?
Because their limit is set by current (heating of windings), which depends on kVA, not just kW. Most diesel generator sets are rated at 0.8 power factor.
What is a good power factor?
0.95 or higher is considered good for industrial loads. Many utilities charge penalties below about 0.9.