Volts to Watts Converter
Convert volts to watts using amperage. The formula is Watts = Volts × Amps. This is the fundamental power equation for electrical circuits, used to determine how much power a device consumes or a circuit delivers.
How to Convert Volts to Watts
- Determine the voltage in volts (V).
- Determine the current in amperes (A).
- Multiply volts by amps to get watts.
- Divide by 1000 for kilowatts.
Formula
Watts = Volts × Amps
P = V × I
Where P is power in watts, V is voltage in volts, and I is current in amperes.
Example Calculation
A 120V outlet with a 10A device:
Power = 120V × 10A = 1,200 W (1.2 kW)
A 12V car battery powering a 5A accessory:
Power = 12V × 5A = 60 W
Volts to Watts Reference Table
| Voltage | Current | Power |
|---|---|---|
| 12V | 1A | 12 W |
| 12V | 5A | 60 W |
| 12V | 10A | 120 W |
| 24V | 5A | 120 W |
| 24V | 10A | 240 W |
| 120V | 5A | 600 W |
| 120V | 10A | 1,200 W |
| 120V | 15A | 1,800 W |
| 220V | 5A | 1,100 W |
| 220V | 10A | 2,200 W |
| 240V | 10A | 2,400 W |
| 240V | 15A | 3,600 W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a watt?
A watt is the SI unit of power equal to one joule per second. It measures the rate of energy transfer in an electrical circuit.
What is the difference between volts and watts?
Volts measure electrical pressure (potential difference), while watts measure power (rate of energy use). You need both voltage and current to calculate watts.
How do I find amps if I know volts and watts?
Rearrange the formula: Amps = Watts ÷ Volts. For example, a 1200W device on a 120V circuit draws 10A.
Does this formula work for AC and DC circuits?
For DC circuits, P = V × I is exact. For AC circuits, real power also depends on the power factor: P = V × I × PF. For resistive loads (heaters, incandescent bulbs), PF ≈ 1.
What are common household voltages?
In North America, standard outlets are 120V (15A or 20A circuits). Large appliances use 240V. In Europe and most other countries, standard voltage is 220-240V.