What is the formula for kVA to HP?

HP = (kVA × 1000 × Power Factor) / 745.7. The factor 745.7 converts watts to mechanical horsepower (1 HP = 745.7 W).

What power factor should I use?

Most AC induction motors have a power factor between 0.80 and 0.95 at full load. Check the motor nameplate or specification sheet. If unknown, 0.85 is a common default for general estimation.

Is this for electrical or mechanical horsepower?

This calculator uses mechanical horsepower (1 HP = 745.7 W), which is the standard in most engineering and motor specifications. Metric horsepower (1 PS = 735.5 W) is slightly different.

What is the difference between kVA and kW?

kVA is apparent power (total power drawn from the supply). kW is real (active) power actually doing useful work. They are related by: kW = kVA × Power Factor.

Can I use this for three-phase systems?

Yes. The formula HP = (kVA × 1000 × PF) / 745.7 applies to both single-phase and three-phase systems when the total kVA figure is used.

kVA to Horsepower Calculator

Enter kVA and power factor to instantly convert kilovolt-amperes to horsepower (HP).

Conversion Inputs

Apparent Power (kVA)

kVA

Power Factor (PF) 0.01 – 1.00

0.01 0.50 1.00

Enter values and click Convert

Common kVA to HP Reference (PF = 0.85)

kVA	Watts (kW)	Horsepower (HP)

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Summary

This calculator converts kilovolt-amperes (kVA) to horsepower (HP) using the standard electrical engineering formula: HP = (kVA × 1000 × PF) / 745.7. kVA is apparent power, while HP is a unit of mechanical output power — the power factor bridges the two. This tool is useful for sizing generators, motors, and industrial electrical equipment.

How it works

Enter the apparent power value in kilovolt-amperes (kVA).
Set the power factor (PF) between 0.01 and 1.00 — most equipment runs between 0.80 and 0.95.
The calculator multiplies kVA by 1000 to get volt-amperes, then by the power factor to get real watts.
Watts are divided by 745.7 to convert to mechanical horsepower.
The result and the full formula with substituted values are displayed instantly.

Use cases

Size a diesel generator for a given HP motor load.
Cross-check nameplate kVA ratings against HP output on industrial motors.
Plan electrical infrastructure for HVAC compressors rated in HP.
Convert generator kVA specs to HP for comparison shopping.
Verify transformer sizing when motor HP ratings are known.
Educational use: understand the relationship between apparent and real power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu