UrbiTools

kVA to kW Converter

Convert kilovolt-amps to kilowatts and back — with the power-factor assumption out in the open and adjustable, not hidden.

Convert kVA ⇄ kW

Default 0.8 — the standard generator/UPS sizing assumption. Use 1.0 for purely resistive loads.
8 kW
10 kVA = 8 kW (at PF 0.8)

Formula: 10 kVA × 0.8 PF = 8 kW

How the kva to kw conversion works

The conversion is: kilowatts = kilovolt-amps × power factor. kVA is apparent power — everything the generator or UPS must supply — while kW is real power, the part that actually does work. The gap between them is the power factor (PF), which depends on the load: resistive heaters run near PF 1.0, while motors and typical generator loads run lower.

The assumption, labelled: this calculator defaults to PF 0.8, the standard assumption for generator and UPS sizing, because most generator nameplates themselves quote kW at 0.8 PF. Change the power-factor box above to your load's actual PF — the result moves with it, and that is the point. With PF 1.0 (purely resistive load), kVA and kW are equal; with PF 0.8, 10 kVA is only 8 kW. Never size a generator from kVA alone without stating the PF.

Worked example: a 10 kVA generator at the default PF 0.8 delivers 10 × 0.8 = 8 kW of real power. At PF 1.0 the same generator would deliver 10 kW. Going the other way, an 8 kW load at PF 0.8 needs 8 ÷ 0.8 = 10 kVA of generator capacity. For plain power-unit conversions, see BTU to kW and kW to hp.

Handy benchmarks at PF 0.8: 5 kVA = 4 kW, 10 kVA = 8 kW, 20 kVA = 16 kW and 50 kVA = 40 kW.

kva to kw converter questions

How many kW are in 1 kVA?
It depends on power factor: kW = kVA × PF. At the standard generator assumption of PF 0.8, 1 kVA = 0.8 kW. At PF 1.0, 1 kVA = 1 kW.
How do I convert kVA to kW?
Multiply by the power factor: kW = kVA × PF. With the default PF 0.8, 10 kVA is 8 kW. Enter your load's actual PF above if you know it.
What power factor should I use?
Use 0.8 for generator and UPS sizing unless your equipment states otherwise — it is the industry-standard assumption and what most generator nameplates use. Purely resistive loads (heaters, incandescent lights) run near 1.0; motors and mixed loads run lower.
What is 10 kVA in kW?
At PF 0.8, 8 kW. At PF 1.0, 10 kW. The answer is meaningless without the power factor, which is why this calculator makes you see it.
How do I convert kW back to kVA?
Divide by the power factor: kVA = kW ÷ PF. Switch the direction above to do it — an 8 kW load at PF 0.8 needs 10 kVA.

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Sources & official guidance

kW = kVA × power factor. Default PF 0.8 is the standard generator/UPS sizing assumption — enter your load's actual PF when known. See our disclaimer.