How do I convert watts to amps?
Type the watts and the voltage, and the amps show as you type. Fill any two of watts, volts, and amps to find the third.
- Amps (A)
- 0.008333
1 watts = 0.008333 amps.
Amps (A): 0.008333. 1 watts = 0.008333 amps.
Amps (A) by watts (W)
How to calculate
Converts watts to amps and back: amps = watts ÷ volts.
Worked examples
Each example is checked against the calculator on every build.
- Watts (W) 1,200, Voltage (V) 120 gives Amps (A) 10.Source: NIST SP 811 (2008), Table 3: W = V × A
- Watts (W) 60, Voltage (V) 12 gives Amps (A) 5.Source: NIST SP 811 (2008), Table 3: W = V × A
Other questions people ask
How do I convert watts to amps?
Divide watts by volts: amps = watts ÷ volts, because 1 watt is 1 volt × 1 ampere. A 1,200 W heater on a 120 V outlet draws 1,200 ÷ 120 = 10 A.
How many amps is 1,000 watts?
It depends on the voltage: 8.33 A at 120 V, 4.35 A at 230 V, and 83.3 A at 12 V.
Why do I need the voltage?
Power is voltage times current. The same watts at a higher voltage need fewer amps, so watts alone do not fix the amps.
Does this work for AC motors and other AC loads?
It is exact for DC and for AC loads like heaters and incandescent bulbs, whose power factor is 1. For a motor or a power supply, divide by the power factor as well: amps = watts ÷ (volts × power factor). For three-phase power, also divide by √3.
How many watts can a 15 amp circuit carry?
15 × 120 = 1,800 W at 120 V. Electricians plan continuous loads at no more than 80% of that, 1,440 W.