VA to Amps Calculator - Current from Apparent Power

Agarapu Ramesh — Editor and content reviewer
Editorially reviewed Reviewed by Agarapu Ramesh, science educator (chemistry). LinkedIn
Last reviewed: May 2026 | Standard electrical engineering formulas

VA divided by voltage gives current for single-phase. For three-phase, divide by sqrt(3) x line voltage. This is apparent current, so power factor is already baked into the VA rating.

Formula at a glance

  • single-phase: A = VA / V
  • three-phase: A = VA / (1.732 x V)
  • kVA = VA / 1000

Field note: Do not confuse VA with W on a UPS label. A 1500 VA unit may only be rated around 900 W depending on PF.

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VA to Amps Calculator

Convert apparent power to current

VA
V
Result
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Formulas

1φI = VA / V
3φI = VA / (V × √3)

Common UPS Sizes

VA@120V
500 VA4.2 A
1000 VA8.3 A
1500 VA12.5 A

Related

Amps to VAkVA to AmpsVA to Watts

How to use the VA to Amps Calculator

Use this as a fast electrical check, then compare the result with the nameplate, measured voltage and power factor. The formula is clean. Real panels, motors and UPS loads usually have one extra wrinkle.

Worked example

Example: 2,400 VA at 120 V is 20 A. 10,000 VA at 415 V three-phase is 13.9 A.

Practical checks before you trust the number

  • Use line-to-line voltage for three-phase.
  • VA is the right unit for UPS and transformers.
  • For real watts, multiply VA by PF.

Common mistake

Do not confuse VA with W on a UPS label. A 1500 VA unit may only be rated around 900 W depending on PF.

Sources and references

Related calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

For single-phase, divide VA by volts. For 3-phase, divide VA by 1.732 times line voltage.

No. VA already includes apparent power, so PF is not needed for current from VA.

Use the actual supply voltage. For 3-phase, use line-to-line voltage.

It can estimate running current, but breaker sizing must follow local code and continuous-load rules.