Apparent Power Converter
Convert apparent power between VA, kVA and MVA - exactly what you need when sizing a generator, UPS or transformer.
About the Apparent Power Converter
This tool converts apparent power between volt-amperes (VA), kilovolt-amperes (kVA) and megavolt-amperes (MVA). Apparent power is the product of voltage and current in an AC system, combining the real power that does work with the reactive power that flows back and forth, which is why it is rated in VA rather than watts.
How to use it
- Enter the rating you know into its field, such as a UPS rated in kVA.
- Read the equivalent in VA or MVA.
- Convert in either direction when a spec sheet uses a different prefix.
The prefixes scale by 1000: 1 kVA is 1000 VA and 1 MVA is 1000 kVA. This is the right tool when sizing a generator, UPS or transformer, since those are rated in apparent power. To find the real power in watts, multiply apparent power by the power factor (a number between 0 and 1); for example, a 10 kVA load at 0.8 power factor delivers 8 kW. This converter handles only the VA units, runs in your browser, and uploads nothing.
Frequently asked questions
How many VA are in a kVA?
One kilovolt-ampere equals 1000 volt-amperes, and one megavolt-ampere equals 1000 kVA or 1,000,000 VA.
What is the difference between kVA and kW?
kVA is apparent power (voltage times current), while kW is real power that does useful work. They are related by the power factor: kW equals kVA times the power factor.
Why are generators and UPS units rated in kVA?
Their components are limited by current and voltage rather than by real power, so apparent power in kVA reflects the true load on the equipment regardless of the load's power factor.
How do I convert kVA to kW?
Multiply the kVA figure by the power factor. At a power factor of 0.8, a 10 kVA supply provides 8 kW of real power.