HP to kVA (Kilo-Volt Ampere) Conversion Calculator
How to Convert Horsepower to kVA
Finding the correct kVA rating for the transformer to power your equipment is easy. Follow these instructions to calculate and verify the appropriate size for your project.
Check your equipment’s nameplate or manual to find its horsepower, motor efficiency, and power factor. If those aren’t available, ask the manufacturer to confirm the numbers. Enter these values to get an accurate kVA calculation.
Enter your horsepower, motor efficiency, and power factor into our kVA calculator to find the minimum size for your transformer. Or, if you already know your kVA rating, plug in the known numbers and the calculator will produce the third.
The formula used by this calculator provides the minimum kVA rating based on load amperage and voltage. We recommend sizing your transformer at 120% the minimum kVA to prevent overload and preserve its lifespan.
While this calculator provides accurate sizing information, Maddox recommends you review this information with a licensed electrician or engineer prior to making any purchases or performing any installations.
Horsepower to kVA Formula
The horsepower to kVA calculator uses the following formula to calculate the minimum transformer rating required by your equipment.
To size a transformer from the horsepower measurement, use this formula:
Definitions
Electrical horsepower is a measure of real power equivalent to 746 watts. To convert horsepower to kilowatts, divide your equipment’s horsepower by 0.746.
Power factor is the measure of efficiency in an electrical system. It is the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA). The closer the power factor is to 1, the more efficiently the kVA is being converted into useful kW.
kVA stands for kilovolt-ampere, which is a unit of apparent power in an electrical system. It measures the total power, both real and reactive, in an alternating current (AC) circuit. The symbol for kilovolt-ampere is "kVA."
A transformer is an electrical device that takes a given input voltage and changes it to a different output voltage. This change can either be an increase or a decrease in voltage. Want to know more? Learn what transformers are and how they work here.
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