What is the difference between kVA and kW?

kVA (kilovolt-amperes) is apparent power — the total power flowing in a circuit. kW (kilowatts) is real power — the portion actually doing useful work. The difference is accounted for by the power factor.

What is a typical power factor?

Resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lamps) have a PF close to 1.0. Inductive loads (motors, transformers) typically range from 0.7 to 0.95. Capacitive loads can have leading power factors also below 1.

Can kW ever exceed kVA?

No. Real power (kW) is always less than or equal to apparent power (kVA). They are equal only when the power factor is exactly 1.

How do I find the power factor of my equipment?

The power factor is usually listed on the equipment nameplate or in its datasheet. It may be expressed as a decimal (0.85) or as a percentage (85%).

What if I only know kW and want kVA?

Divide kW by the power factor. For example, 80 kW at 0.8 PF equals 100 kVA. Use our kW to kVA calculator for the reverse conversion.

Is 60 kVA the same as 60 kW?

Only when the power factor is 1.0. At a typical 0.8 power factor, 60 kVA equals 60 × 0.8 = 48 kW of real power. kVA always meets or exceeds kW.

kVA to Kilowatts Calculator

Name: kVA to Kilowatts Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Convert apparent power in kilovolt-amperes (kVA) to real power in kilowatts (kW) by entering a power factor.

Input Values

Apparent Power (kVA)

kVA

Power Factor (0 – 1)

0 (reactive) 1 (resistive)

Common Presets

Result

Enter kVA and power factor to see the result

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Summary

Convert apparent power in kilovolt-amperes (kVA) to real power in kilowatts (kW) by entering a power factor.

How it works

Enter the apparent power in kilovolt-amperes (kVA).
Enter the power factor (PF) of the load, between 0 and 1.
The tool multiplies the two values: kW = kVA × PF.
Read the real power in kilowatts (kW) instantly.
Adjust the power factor to compare resistive and inductive load scenarios.

Use cases

Size a generator by converting its kVA rating to usable kW output.
Determine the real power draw of industrial motors and transformers.
Evaluate UPS capacity against actual load requirements.
Convert utility billing data between kVA and kW for cost analysis.
Verify electrical panel capacity for new equipment installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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