Daily Figures Edition No Sign-Up Free Forever Vol. XII — No. 204
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Watts to Amps Calculator

Convert watts to amps from the voltage and power factor.

1 for resistive/DC; ~0.8 for motors
Current
Amps drawn.
Details
Amps
Voltage
Power factor
Formula
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How the Watts to Amps Calculator Works

Power, voltage and current are linked by P = V × I, so current in amps equals power in watts divided by voltage. For AC circuits with motors or electronics, divide also by the power factor (how efficiently the current does work) — 1 for purely resistive loads like heaters, and around 0.8 for many motors. This calculator applies both.

It’s handy for sizing wire, breakers and extension cords: knowing the amp draw tells you whether a circuit can handle a device. A 1,200 W appliance on 120 V pulls 10 amps.

amps = watts ÷ (volts × power factor)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert watts to amps?

Divide the watts by the voltage (and by the power factor for AC motors). 1,200 watts at 120 volts is 10 amps.

What is power factor?

A number from 0 to 1 showing how effectively AC current does work. Resistive loads are 1; motors and electronics are lower, raising the current draw.

Why does amp draw matter?

It determines the wire gauge, breaker and cord you need. Exceeding a circuit’s amp rating trips the breaker or overheats the wiring.

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