How many amps is 1500 watts?

At 120 V it is about 12.5 A; at 230 V about 6.5 A (resistive load, PF 1.0).

How do I convert watts to amps?

Amps = watts ÷ (volts × power factor). For DC or resistive AC the power factor is 1.

For inductive AC loads (motors, transformers) the current is higher than watts ÷ volts alone, because part of the current is reactive.

Convert between watts (W), volts (V) and amps (A). Choose the current type, then enter any two values to get the third.

Current type

Power (W)

Voltage (V)

Current (A)

Leave the value you want to find blank and fill in the other two.

The three are linked by electrical power:

DC: W = V × A

AC single-phase: W = V × A × PF

AC three-phase: W = √3 × V × A × PF

So to find current: A = W / (V × PF) (single-phase) or A = W / (√3 × V × PF) (three-phase). For DC, set PF = 1.

A 1500 W heater on 120 V DC draws 1500 / 120 = 12.5 A. The same 1500 W on 230 V single-phase AC at PF 1.0 draws about 6.5 A.

Single-phase at power factor 1.0 (resistive). Divide by the power factor for inductive loads.

How many amps is 1500 watts?: At 120 V it is about 12.5 A; at 230 V about 6.5 A (resistive load, PF 1.0).
How do I convert watts to amps?: Amps = watts ÷ (volts × power factor). For DC or resistive AC the power factor is 1.
Why does power factor matter?: For inductive AC loads (motors, transformers) the current is higher than watts ÷ volts alone, because part of the current is reactive.