kVA to Amps Calculator
Convert kVA to amps for single-phase or three-phase systems at any voltage — the current a transformer or generator rating delivers.
How it works
single-phase: amps = kVA × 1000 ÷ volts · three-phase: amps = kVA × 1000 ÷ (√3 × volts)
kVA is apparent power, so the current follows directly from the voltage without needing a power factor — that is why transformers and generators are rated in kVA rather than kW. For single-phase you divide by the voltage; for three-phase you also divide by √3 because the line current feeds all three phases. The result is the continuous line current the equipment can supply at that voltage.
Worked example
A 10 kVA source: single-phase at 240 V gives 10,000 ÷ 240 = 41.7 A. The same 10 kVA three-phase at 240 V gives 10,000 ÷ (1.732 × 240) = 24.1 A, because the load is shared across three conductors.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t power factor appear here?
Because kVA already is apparent power (volts × amps). Power factor only matters when you convert to kW — real power. To get amps from a kW figure, divide the kW by the power factor to recover kVA first.
How do I size the breaker from this?
Take the line current, apply the relevant factor (for example 125% for a continuous load or a generator’s output rating), then round up to a standard breaker. The breaker-size calculator does this from watts and volts.
Is three-phase current always lower?
For the same kVA and line voltage, yes — the √3 factor spreads the load across three conductors, so each carries less current than a single-phase circuit of the same rating.
Related calculators
Educational estimates only — electrical work must follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments, and be done or inspected by a licensed electrician.