Last updated on July 7th, 2025
Electrical power is often measured in watts, while current is measured in amperes (amps). Different units are used to measure different aspects of electricity. An ampere is a unit of electric current, which measures the flow of electric charge. A watt (W) is a unit of power that measures the rate of energy transfer. Sometimes we need to convert amps to watts to better understand the power consumption of devices. In this topic, we will learn how to convert amps to watts using the appropriate formulas.
An ampere, often shortened to "amp," is a unit of electric current in the International System of Units (SI). It measures the amount of electric charge passing a point in an electric circuit per unit time.
One ampere is equal to one coulomb of charge passing through a point in one second. The symbol for ampere is A.
A watt is a unit of power in the International System of Units (SI). It measures the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. One watt is defined as one joule per second.
The watt is commonly used to express the output power of engines and the power consumption of electrical devices. The symbol for watt is W.
To convert amps to watts, we use the formula: Watts = Volts × Amps
So, to determine the power in watts, you multiply the current in amps by the voltage in volts.
Converting amps to watts is straightforward using the standard formula. Since Watts = Volts × Amps, you need to know the voltage to perform the conversion.
Steps to convert amps to watts:
1. Write down the current in amps.
2. Multiply the current by the voltage to get the power in watts.
Formula: Watts = Volts × Amps
When dealing with electrical devices, sometimes we use amps and sometimes we use watts. We use simple conversions to understand the power consumption of a device.
Below is a chart that shows amp-to-watt conversions for a given voltage.
When converting amps to watts, people often make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to help better understand the concepts of conversions.
Convert a device with 10 amps running on 120 volts to watts.
The device consumes 1,200 watts.
We know the formula: Watts = Volts × Amps
Now, multiply 10 amps by 120 volts: 10 × 120 = 1,200 watts
A tool uses 5 amps at 240 volts. What is its power in watts?
The power is 1,200 watts.
Use the formula: Watts = Volts × Amps
5 amps × 240 volts = 1,200 watts
A motor draws 15 amps and operates at 230 volts. Calculate its power in watts.
The motor's power is 3,450 watts.
Convert: Watts = Volts × Amps
15 amps × 230 volts = 3,450 watts
Calculate the power consumption of a heater using 8 amps on a 110-volt supply.
The power consumption is 880 watts.
Convert: Watts = Volts × Amps
8 amps × 110 volts = 880 watts
A light bulb uses 0.5 amps on a 240-volt circuit. How much power does it use?
The light bulb uses 120 watts.
Step 1: Use the formula. Watts = Volts × Amps
Step 2: Multiply 0.5 amps by 240 volts. 0.5 × 240 = 120 watts
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