kVAR is the reactive power component — the non-working power that maintains magnetic fields in motors and transformers. High kVAR means low efficiency.
kVAR = kVA × sin(arccos(PF)). Derived from the power triangle.
kVA is hypotenuse, kW is base, kVAR is the vertical side.
Capacitor bank sizing, PF correction, utility penalty avoidance.
kVAR doesn't do work but is needed for magnetic fields in AC equipment.
Extract reactive power from the power triangle.
Also: kVAR = √(kVA² − kW²). Both formulas give the same result.
3 steps using the power triangle.
Find apparent power and power factor from your meter or nameplate.
θ = arccos(PF). This is the phase angle between voltage and current.
kVAR = kVA × sin(θ). This is the reactive component.
kVAR at various power factors.
| kVA | PF 0.70 | PF 0.80 | PF 0.85 | PF 0.90 | PF 0.95 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 35.7 | 30.0 | 26.3 | 21.8 | 15.6 |
| 100 | 71.4 | 60.0 | 52.7 | 43.6 | 31.2 |
| 250 | 178.5 | 150.0 | 131.7 | 109.0 | 78.1 |
| 500 | 357.1 | 300.0 | 263.4 | 217.9 | 156.1 |
| 1000 | 714.1 | 600.0 | 526.8 | 435.9 | 312.3 |
Capacitor bank sizing scenarios.
500 kVA at PF 0.75:
kVAR = 500 × sin(arccos(0.75)) = 330.7 kVAR
200 kVA at PF 0.85:
kVAR = 200 × sin(arccos(0.85)) = 105.4 kVAR
1000 kVA at PF 0.90:
kVAR = 1000 × sin(arccos(0.90)) = 435.9 kVAR
25 free conversion tools — each with its own unique calculator, interactive visuals, and detailed explanations.
Converter for kva-to-watts
Converter for kva-to-mw
Converter for kva-to-amps
Converter for kva-to-kwh
Converter for kva-to-hp
Converter for kva-to-va
Converter for kva-to-btu
Converter for kva-to-gw
Converter for kva-to-kw-3-phase
Converter for kva-to-joule
Converter for kva-to-kv
Converter for kva-to-ka
Converter for kva-to-mbh
Converter for kva-to-mwh
Converter for kva-to-mva
Converter for kva-to-rpm
Converter for va-to-v
Converter for kw-to-kwh
Converter for power-factor-calculator
Converter for transformer-kva-calculator
Converter for generator-size-calculator
Converter for kva-to-kvar
Converter for kvar-calculator
Converter for watts-to-kwh
Converter for voltage-drop-calculator
Common questions about reactive power.
kVAR (kilovolt-amperes reactive) is the reactive power that maintains magnetic fields. It doesn't do useful work.
Less kVAR means higher power factor, lower utility bills, and freed-up electrical capacity.
Capacitors supply reactive power locally, reducing the reactive current drawn from the utility.
kVA² = kW² + kVAR². kVA is hypotenuse, kW is real power (base), kVAR is reactive power (height).
Conventionally, inductive loads have positive kVAR, capacitive loads have negative kVAR (leading PF).