Convert kW to watts
Convert kW to watts instantly. 1 kW = 1,000 W. Formula, worked examples and a quick reference table.
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One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. To convert any number of kilowatts to watts, multiply by 1,000.
The converter above works in both directions and updates as you type. Below you will find the formula, a worked example and a reference table of common values.
Power is energy per unit time, and the conversions here are all between ways of expressing that rate. Watts and kilowatts are the SI forms; horsepower survives in engine ratings because James Watt coined it to sell steam engines against the animals they replaced. Confusing power with energy is the persistent error in this category: a wattage tells you nothing about consumption or cost until a duration is attached to it.
kW to watts formula
To go the other way, use kilowatt = watt ÷ 1,000.
About these units
A kilowatt is 1,000 watts, roughly 1.34 mechanical horsepower. It is the standard rating for electric motors, EV chargers and domestic supply capacity.
The watt is one joule per second — a rate, not a quantity. An appliance’s wattage tells you nothing about its running cost until you say how long it runs.
Kilowatt is also written kilowatts. Watt is also written watts.
Sources
kW to watts conversion table
| Kilowatt | Watt |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1,000 W |
| 2 kW | 2,000 W |
| 3 kW | 3,000 W |
| 5 kW | 5,000 W |
| 10 kW | 10,000 W |
| 20 kW | 20,000 W |
| 25 kW | 25,000 W |
| 50 kW | 50,000 W |
| 100 kW | 100,000 W |
| 250 kW | 250,000 W |
| 500 kW | 500,000 W |
| 1,000 kW | 1,000,000 W |
Frequently asked questions
How many watts are in a kilowatt? +
There are 1,000 watts in one kilowatt.
What is 10 kW in W? +
10 kW equals 10,000 W. Multiply 10 by 1,000.
How do I convert watt back to kilowatt? +
Use kilowatt = watt ÷ 1,000. The converter above handles both directions, or see our dedicated watts to kW page.
How accurate is this kilowatt to watt conversion? +
The factor used is 1,000, carried at full double precision. Where a unit has an exact legal definition the factor is exact rather than approximate. Rounding is applied only to the displayed result, so the answer is never a calculation done on an already-rounded number.
Is there a quick way to estimate kW to W in my head? +
Multiply by 1,000. That matches the true factor of 1,000 exactly, so no adjustment is needed for a mental estimate.