Watts and kilowatts are two closely related units of power, but they serve different scales of measurement. A watt describes smaller power levels, while a kilowatt is ideal for larger values often used in household appliances, industrial machines, and electricity billing. This article will guide you step by step through converting watts to kilowatts, making the process simple and intuitive.
Definitions of Watt and Kilowatt
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions of Watt (W) and Kilowatt (kW). Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
What is Watt?
The watt (W) is an SI derived unit of power, equal to one joule per second (J/s).[1]
Mathematically 1 W = 1 j/s:
Where:
j = jouleunit of energys = secondunit of time
According to SI prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 10, a watt (1 W) is equivalent to one thousandth of a kilowatt (10-3 kW or 0.001 kW).
It is widely used to quantify electrical, mechanical, and thermal power in everyday applications such as light bulbs, appliances, and motors.
What is a Kilowatt (kW)?
A kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power in the SI system equal to one thousand watts (1,000 W).
Kilowatts are widely used to express larger power levels, such as the rating of household appliances (e.g., air conditioners, refrigerators), industrial equipment, and the capacity of electrical systems. Electricity consumption on utility bills is often measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
W to kW formula
Let’s take a closer look at the conversion formula so you can carry out these conversions independently, whether using a calculator or doing it manually with pencil and paper.
The kilo- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 103 (1,000). So, to convert from watts to kilowatts, divide the number of watt (P(W)) by 1,000.
P(kW) = P(W) ÷ 103 = P(W) ÷ 1,000
Or remember the W-to-kW conversion factor: 1 W = 0.001 kW
W to kW conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting power measurement units from watts (W) to kilowatts (kW). It covers commonly available power values, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Watts (W) | Kilowatts (kW) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 W | 0.0001 kW |
| 0.5 W | 0.0005 kW |
| 1 W | 0.001 kW |
| 2 W | 0.002 kW |
| 4 W | 0.004 kW |
| 5 W | 0.005 kW |
| 10 W | 0.01 kW |
| 20 W | 0.02 kW |
| 30 W | 0.03 kW |
| 40 W | 0.04 kW |
| 50 W | 0.05 kW |
| 60 W | 0.06 kW |
| 70 W | 0.07 kW |
| 80 W | 0.08 kW |
| 90 W | 0.09 kW |
| 100 W | 0.1 kW |
| 200 W | 0.2 kW |
| 500 W | 0.5 kW |
| 800 W | 0.8 kW |
| 1,000 W | 1 kW |
| 2,000 W | 2 kW |
| 5,000 W | 5 kW |
| 10,000 W | 10 kW |
| 25,000 W | 25 kW |
| 50,000 W | 50 kW |
| 100,000 W | 100 kW |
Examples
Now, let's look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from watts to kilowatts (W to kW).
Example: Air Conditioner Power Rating
Suppose you’re checking the specifications of a home air conditioner, and the datasheet specifies a power consumption of 4,500 W. However, your electricity bill and utility company use kilowatts (kW).
Solution
Since 1 kW = 1,000 W, we can convert 4,500 W to kilowatts by using the following formula:
Therefore, the air conditioner consumes 4.5 kW of power.
To solve the problem with our calculator, follow the steps below:
- Enter the value in watts: For this example, enter
4500 Winto theFrombox. - View the result: The converter instantly calculates and displays the equivalent value in kilowatts:
4.5 kW.
FAQs
Is 1 watt or 1 kilowatt larger?
A kilowatt (kW) is a thousand times larger than a watt (W). Here are the relationships between the units:
1 kW = 103 = 1,000 W1 W = 10-3 = 1 ÷ 1,000 = 0.001 kW
How to convert from watts to kilowatts?
To convert power from watts (W) to kilowatts (kW), follow these simple steps:
- Write down the power value in watts (W).
- Divide it by
1,000. - The result is the power in kilowatts (kW).
Why do I need to convert watts to kilowatts?
Converting watts to kilowatts is essential in energy management and billing. For example, household electricity usage is typically expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A device rated at 2,000 W is easier to compare and calculate as 2 kW when estimating energy costs.
You now know how to convert power units from watts (W) to kilowatts (kW). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the power measurement units to save time for future calculations.
