Convert watts to amps for DC, single-phase AC, or three-phase AC, with power factor and the exact formula shown.
Your numbers
Result
Current
10 A
I = P / V = 1200 / 120 = 10
DC and purely resistive AC use I = P / V. Real AC loads draw more current per watt as power factor drops below 1, because part of the current does no real work — that's why single-phase uses I = P / (V × PF) and three-phase uses I = P / (√3 × V × PF).
Amps = watts / (volts × power factor) for AC. A lower power factor means the same real power requires more current, because part of the current is doing no useful work. Motors, transformers, and many electronics run below 1.0 power factor.
Watts is real power — the power actually doing work. Volt-amperes (VA) is apparent power — voltage times current, regardless of power factor. They are equal only when power factor is 1.0.
Yes — select three-phase and enter the line-to-line voltage. The calculator uses I = P / (√3 × V × PF), assuming a balanced load across all three phases.
The inverse conversion — current to power instead of power to current.
Solve for voltage, resistance, or power directly if you know two of the four values.
Once you know the current, look up conductor sizing properties for that circuit.
Convert apparent power (kVA) to real power (kW) if your equipment is rated in kVA.
FigureDesk results are advisory and do not replace a licensed electrician, a qualified engineer, or the applicable local electrical code. Verify any electrical work against your local code and with a qualified professional before relying on it.