kVA to kW Calculator
Convert apparent power (kVA) to real power (kW) instantly. Enter your power factor to get an accurate result for generators, UPS units, and electrical loads.
Power Conversion Details
Enter your apparent power in kVA and power factor to convert to real power
Enter the kVA rating found on the equipment or generator nameplate.
Typical value is 0.8 for generators, closer to 1.0 for purely resistive loads.
Used for reference only — the kW = kVA x PF formula applies to both.
Add a margin to cover startup surges or future load growth. Leave as 0 to skip.
Conversion Results
Real power equivalent based on your power factor
Enter your apparent power and power factor above, then click Convert to kW to see the real power equivalent.
kVA to kW Conversion Table
Common kVA values converted to kW at a standard 0.8 power factor, typical for generators and mixed inductive loads.
| Apparent Power (kVA) | Real Power @ PF 0.8 (kW) | Real Power @ PF 1.0 (kW) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kVA | 8.0 kW | 10.0 kW |
| 25 kVA | 20.0 kW | 25.0 kW |
| 50 kVA | 40.0 kW | 50.0 kW |
| 100 kVA | 80.0 kW | 100.0 kW |
| 250 kVA | 200.0 kW | 250.0 kW |
| 500 kVA | 400.0 kW | 500.0 kW |
| 1000 kVA | 800.0 kW | 1000.0 kW |
kVA to kW FAQ
Everything you need to know about converting apparent power to real power and sizing generators correctly.
To convert kVA to kW, multiply the kVA value by the power factor. The formula is kW = kVA x PF. Most standard generators and equipment use a power factor of 0.8, so a 100 kVA generator delivers approximately 80 kW of usable real power.
kVA (kilovolt-amperes) measures apparent power, which is the total power flowing in a circuit including both useful and reactive components. kW (kilowatts) measures real power, which is the actual usable power that performs work. The ratio between them is defined by the power factor.
Most diesel and petrol generators are rated with a standard power factor of 0.8, which is typical for mixed inductive loads such as motors and fluorescent lighting. Purely resistive loads like heaters and incandescent bulbs have a power factor closer to 1.0, meaning kW and kVA are nearly equal.
First total the real power (kW) demand of all the appliances or equipment you need to run. Then divide that figure by the expected power factor, typically 0.8, to find the minimum generator kVA rating required. Adding a safety margin of 10 to 20 percent is recommended to account for startup surges.
The basic kW = kVA x PF relationship applies to both single phase and three phase systems. However, if you are calculating kVA from raw voltage and current readings rather than a nameplate rating, the formula differs between single phase and three phase circuits, so check your equipment’s rated kVA figure where possible.