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kW to kVA Calculator

Convert kW to kVA at any power factor — or kVA back to kW. WattSimple also gives the reactive power, the current at your system voltage, and the next standard generator size up, since gensets are quoted in kW but built to a 0.8 power factor.

Convert

Generator sets are quoted in kW but built to a 0.8 power factor, so a 100 kW genset is a 125 kVA machine. Leaving the slider at 0.80 gives you the manufacturer's own convention.

Apparent power

100 kVA

Real power
80 kW
Apparent power
100 kVA
Reactive power
60 kVAR
Current @ 240V
416.7 A

Next standard generator size

80 kW genset (about 100 kVA at the standard 0.8 PF rating) — 0% headroom over the 80 kW load.

A steady-state figure only. Motor starting inrush, step-load acceptance, and altitude and temperature derating all push the required size up. Size a real standby system with the manufacturer and NEC Article 702 (or 700 for emergency systems).

Frequently asked questions

Divide kilowatts by the power factor: kVA = kW ÷ PF. At the 0.8 power factor generators are rated to, 80 kW = 100 kVA. Going the other way, kW = kVA × PF.

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Sources & standards

This tool's methodology and data follow US standards and authoritative public datasets: