kW to kVA Conversion: The Full 0.8 Power Factor Table

A kW to kVA conversion is the first calculation in any generator sizing exercise, and the one most often skipped. kW is real power, the work the load actually performs. kVA is apparent power, the total the alternator, cabling, and switchgear must carry. Divide kW by the power factor to get kVA. At the industry standard 0.8 power factor the multiplier is 1.25, so a 800 kW load requires a 1,000 kVA machine. Specify on kW alone and the alternator is undersized by a quarter.

kW to kVA Conversion Table at 0.8 Power Factor

Load (kW)	kW to kVA Conversion (kVA)	Load (kW)	kW to kVA Conversion (kVA)
30	38	1,175	1,469
40	50	1,200	1,500
50	63	1,225	1,531
60	75	1,250	1,563
70	88	1,275	1,594
80	100	1,300	1,625
90	113	1,325	1,656
100	125	1,350	1,688
110	138	1,375	1,719
125	156	1,400	1,750
135	169	1,425	1,781
150	188	1,450	1,813
165	206	1,475	1,844
175	219	1,500	1,875
200	250	1,525	1,906
225	281	1,550	1,938
250	313	1,575	1,969
275	344	1,600	2,000
300	375	1,625	2,031
325	406	1,650	2,063
350	438	1,675	2,094
375	469	1,700	2,125
400	500	1,725	2,156
425	531	1,750	2,188
450	563	1,775	2,219
475	594	1,800	2,250
500	625	1,825	2,281
525	656	1,850	2,313
550	688	1,875	2,344
575	719	1,900	2,375
600	750	1,925	2,406
625	781	1,950	2,438
650	813	1,975	2,469
675	844	2,000	2,500
700	875	2,025	2,531
725	906	2,050	2,563
750	938	2,075	2,594
775	969	2,100	2,625
800	1,000	2,125	2,656
825	1,031	2,150	2,688
850	1,063	2,175	2,719
875	1,094	2,200	2,750
900	1,125	2,225	2,781
925	1,156	2,250	2,813
950	1,188	2,275	2,844
975	1,219	2,300	2,875
1,000	1,250	2,325	2,906
1,025	1,281	2,350	2,938
1,050	1,313	2,375	2,969
1,075	1,344	2,400	3,000
1,100	1,375	2,425	3,031
1,125	1,406	2,450	3,063
1,150	1,438	2,475	3,094

 

Values are rounded to the nearest kVA. Confirm whether the nameplate quotes a standby, prime, or continuous rating before sizing.

Why Power Factor Decides the Machine You Buy

Power factor is the ratio of real to apparent power, and it is set by the load, not the generator. Motor driven plant such as crushers, hoists, conveyors, and borehole pumps runs at a lagging power factor, typically 0.75 to 0.85. Most diesel generator sets and natural gas generator sets are therefore rated at 0.8, which is why this table is the default. A site running at 0.7 needs a 1.43 multiplier instead of 1.25, and that difference alone can push a project into the next frame size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert kW to kVA?

Divide kW by the power factor. At 0.8 power factor, multiply kW by 1.25. A 1,500 kW load becomes 1,875 kVA.

What happens if I size a generator on kW instead of kVA?

The alternator, cables, breakers, and step up transformer are all rated in kVA. Sizing on kW at 0.8 power factor understates that requirement by 25 percent.

Is 0.8 power factor always correct?

No. It is a rating convention, not a measurement. Confirm the actual site power factor from a load study before committing to a frame size.

Correct kW to kVA conversion is where credible power plant engineering begins. USP&E Global has delivered 150+ projects across 35+ countries and holds equipment across the full range shown above in our live inventory. Reference load and demand data is published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the International Energy Agency, and the World Bank.

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