Convert electrical current (Amps) to power (Watts). Supports DC, AC Single-Phase, and AC Three-Phase circuits.
Power
1,200 W
(1.2 kW)
Formula Used
P = V × I
Understanding the relationship between electric current (amps) and power output (watts) is crucial for home electrical safety, DIY projects, and choosing the right generator or circuit breakers. The calculation relies on Ohm's Law, which links electrical current, voltage, and power.
For direct current (DC) systems (like car batteries or solar panels), the math is straightforward. Power in watts is calculated by multiplying the voltage by the current in amperes:P = V × IWhere P is power in watts, V is voltage in volts, and I is current in amps.
For standard alternating current (AC) single-phase systems (like typical home wall outlets), you must account for the efficiency of the device, represented by the Power Factor (PF). Power factor ranges from 0 to 1, where 1 is a perfectly resistive load (like a heater or incandescent bulb) and lower values are inductive loads (like electric motors, refrigerators, or computers):P = V × I × PF
Three-phase systems are commonly used in industrial settings to deliver higher power. The formula changes depending on whether you measure line-to-line or line-to-neutral voltage:
P = √3 × V × I × PF ≈ 1.732 × V × I × PFP = 3 × V × I × PFFollow these easy steps to manually convert amps to watts for any household appliance:
| Appliance | Current (Amps) | Estimated Wattage (Watts) |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone Charger | 0.1A - 0.2A | 12W - 24W |
| LED TV | 0.8A - 1.5A | 100W - 180W |
| Refrigerator | 3A - 6A | 360W - 720W |
| Microwave Oven | 8A - 12A | 960W - 1,440W |
| Hair Dryer | 12A - 15A | 1,440W - 1,800W |
No, not continuously. A standard 15-amp circuit breaker at 120V has a maximum safety capacity of 1,800 watts (15A × 120V). For continuous loads (running for 3 hours or more), safety codes recommend keeping the load below 80%, which is 1,440 watts.
No. Current (amperes) measures the volume of electron flow through a wire, similar to the volume of water flowing through a pipe. Power (watts) measures the total work done per second, combining both the volume of flow (amps) and the pressure pushing it (voltage).
The power factor represents how efficiently current is converted into useful work. Inductive devices (with coils, compressors, or motors) draw extra "reactive" current that doesn't do work, lowering the power factor. This means you need more amps to deliver the same watts compared to a resistive heater.