Apparent power

Amps to Volt-Amps Calculator

VA = Amps × Volts

Amps to Volt-Amps Calculator

Calculate apparent power (VA) without needing a power factor.

Live Result
Formula-backed — instant professional result
APPARENT POWER
0 VA
Also equals 0 kVA
Formula used VA = Amps × Volts The primary result is shown in VA using the formula displayed above. 10A × 120V = 1200VA

This calculator is an educational planning estimate. Verify safety-critical work with equipment nameplate data, local electrical code, and a qualified professional.

Free Amps to Volt-Amps Calculator — convert amperes to volt-amps for apparent power calculations. Includes DC, single-phase AC, and three-phase AC support. Essential for electrical engineering and power system design.

AC power quality

Power triangle clarity

Free Amps to Volt-Amps Calculator — convert amperes to volt-amps for apparent power calculations. Includes DC, single-phase AC, and three-phase AC support. Essential for electrical engineering and power system design.

AC/DC single-phase formula-first page-specific visual

Amps to Volt-Amps Calculator — VA & kVA | Ampstowatt Guide

Real vs apparent power

Watts, VA, kVA, and power factor shown as one relationship

These conversions depend on the difference between real and apparent power, so the power triangle makes the formula easier to trust.

Formula VA = Amps x Volts
Amps to Volt-Amps Calculator — VA & kVA | Ampstowatt technical circuit diagram A premium electrical diagram showing the main values and conversion flow for Amps to Volt-Amps Calculator — VA & kVA | Ampstowatt. Watts Reactive load kVA / VA PF = W / VA Generator sizing
Amps to Volt-Amps Calculator — VA & kVA | Ampstowatt Real vs apparent power with real formula values and planning checkpoints.

Quick answer

Use this calculator to separate real watts from apparent power.

AC equipment can draw VA or kVA that is higher than usable watts. Power factor explains the difference and is critical for generators, UPS systems, motors, and transformers.

VA = Amps x Volts

Inputs to check before calculating

  • Use nameplate VA, kVA, or amperage where available.
  • Enter a realistic PF for motors, compressors, UPS systems, and generators.
  • Account for startup surge separately from running watts.
  • Compare real watts with equipment output ratings.

Example: 10 amps at 120 volts

At 120 volts, 10 amps equals 1,200 VA. For real watts, multiply apparent power by power factor.

Best use cases

  • UPS and transformer sizing
  • VA and kVA output
  • Single-phase apparent power
  • single-phase AC load planning with clear unit labels.

Common mistake to avoid

Do not treat kVA as kW unless the power factor is 1.00.

How to use the result

Use the result to avoid undersizing generators, UPS units, and AC power equipment.

Accuracy and safety note

Calculator output is a planning estimate. Final breaker sizing, wire gauge, derating, voltage-drop limits, equipment protection, and code compliance should be verified with manufacturer documentation and a qualified electrician or engineer.

For the broad formula, reference table, and breaker planning context, start with the main Amps to Watts Calculator.

Apparent power diagram

Current and Voltage to VA Flow

The calculator multiplies current by voltage to find apparent power. Apparent power helps size transformers, UPS systems, generators, and service panels before power factor is applied to real watts.

VA = A x V

Amps to Volt-Amps Formulas

DC / Single-Phase AC

VA = I × V

Where:
I = Current (A)
V = Voltage (V)

Three-Phase AC (Line-to-Line)

VA = I × V × √3

≈ I × V × 1.732

Three-Phase AC (Line-to-Neutral)

VA = I × V × 3

For line-to-neutral voltage

Calculation Examples

Single-Phase Circuit

15A at 120V:
15 × 120 = 1800 VA
Typical for household circuit

Three-Phase Motor

10A at 230V line-to-line:
10 × 230 × 1.732 ≈ 1732 VA
Small industrial motor

DC Power Supply

5A at 48V:
5 × 48 = 240 VA
Network equipment power

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert amps to volt-amps?

For DC or single-phase AC: VA = Amps × Volts. For three-phase: VA = Amps × Volts × √3 (line-to-line) or VA = Amps × Volts × 3 (line-to-neutral).

What is the difference between VA and watts?

VA measures apparent power (total power drawn), watts measure real power (useful power). VA = Watts ÷ Power Factor.

When should I use VA instead of watts?

Use VA for sizing transformers, generators, UPS systems, and electrical service. These devices must handle the total apparent power, not just real power.

Related Electrical Conversions

Start with the main conversion tool

Continue through the reverse and related conversion tools that support amps, watts, kW, VA, kVA, and battery energy planning.Amps to Watts Calculator

Methodology, Review Notes, and Sources

How this calculator works

The calculator applies Watt's law for DC and resistive loads, then adds power factor for AC loads and the 1.732 multiplier for balanced three-phase line-to-line calculations.

  • DC and resistive loads: W = A x V
  • Single-phase AC: W = A x V x PF
  • Three-phase AC: W = 1.732 x A x V x PF

Editorial review

Last reviewed: June 26, 2026. Ampstowatt.com is built around the amps to watts conversion — our core specialty. Content is maintained by the Ampstowatt editorial team and checked for formula consistency, unit labels, calculator behavior, and safety wording.

The page is an educational planning reference, not a licensed electrical design or inspection service.

Reference sources

FAQ

Amps to VA FAQ

Fast answers before you use the calculator or compare formulas.

kVA What is the difference between kVA and kW?

kVA (kilovolt-amps) is apparent power — the total current × voltage product. kW (kilowatts) is real power — the portion that does useful work. The relationship is kW = kVA × Power Factor. A 10 kVA generator at PF 0.80 can deliver only 8 kW of real power. Always check whether equipment is rated in kVA or kW.

GEN How do I size a generator using kVA and power factor?

Calculate total real power (kW) needed, then divide by the generator power factor to get the required kVA rating: kVA = kW ÷ PF. For 12 kW of load with PF 0.80: kVA = 12 ÷ 0.80 = 15 kVA minimum generator. Add 20–25% for startup surges from motors and compressors.

GOOD What is a good power factor?

A power factor above 0.95 is excellent. 0.85–0.95 is acceptable for most installations. Below 0.85, utilities may charge power factor penalties. Below 0.70 indicates significant reactive power waste. Power factor correction capacitors can improve PF to 0.95+ by compensating for inductive loads.

VA How do I convert VA to watts?

Multiply VA by the power factor: Watts = VA × PF. A 1,500 VA UPS at PF 0.70 delivers 1,050 watts of real power. Modern UPS units often list both VA and watt ratings. If only VA is listed, assume PF 0.60–0.70 for older units and PF 0.90+ for newer models.

$ Why do utilities charge for low power factor?

Low power factor means the utility must supply extra current that does no useful work, heating transformers and transmission lines without generating revenue. Industrial customers with PF below 0.85–0.90 may face penalty surcharges of 1–2% per 0.01 PF below the threshold. Correction capacitors pay for themselves quickly.

VAR What is reactive power (kVAR)?

kVAR (kilovolt-amp reactive) is the reactive component of power — energy that oscillates between the source and inductive/capacitive loads without doing useful work. It combines with real power (kW) to form apparent power (kVA): kVA² = kW² + kVAR². Reducing kVAR through capacitor banks improves power factor.