Home Back

Formula to Calculate Power in Electricity

Electrical Power Formula:

\[ P = V \times I \]

volts
amperes

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Electrical Power Calculation?

Definition: This calculator computes the electrical power in watts based on voltage and current using Ohm's Law.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and students determine the power consumption or generation in electrical circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ P = V \times I \]

Where:

Explanation: The product of voltage and current gives the rate of energy transfer in an electrical circuit.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Proper power calculation ensures correct circuit design, appropriate component selection, and energy efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between AC and DC power calculations?
A: For DC circuits, this formula works directly. For AC circuits, you may need to consider power factor (cos φ).

Q2: How do I measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter - connect in parallel for voltage measurement and in series for current measurement.

Q3: What if I know resistance instead of current?
A: You can use alternative formulas: \( P = V^2/R \) or \( P = I^2 \times R \).

Q4: What's a typical household voltage?
A: In North America it's 120V, while many other countries use 230V as standard.

Q5: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). This calculator gives instantaneous power.

Electrical Power Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025