My generator is rated 5 kW. Can it run my AC (2,400 W), fridge (700 W), and TV (200 W) simultaneously?

5 kW = 5,000 W. The running loads total 3,300 W, leaving 1,700 W. Compressors draw extra power at startup. Compare their starting watts with the generator's surge rating.

I have 10 kW of solar panels on my roof. How much can I power at once?

10 kW = 10,000 W at full sun. Compare that with the sum of the appliance watts you run at the same time.

My electric oven is rated 2.4 kW. How many watts does that circuit need to handle?

2.4 kW = 2,400 W. Use the circuit rating in the oven's installation instructions, and have an electrician confirm it.

Is the kW to watt conversion always exactly multiplying by 1000?

Yes — metric SI prefix. 1 kW = 10³ W exactly, no rounding involved.

Kilowatts to Watts Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between power units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 Kilowatt = 1000 Watt

Key Formulas

Kilowatt → Horsepower (mech)

hp = kW × 1.34102

Horsepower (mech) → Kilowatt

kW = hp × 0.7457

Watt → Kilowatt

kW = W × 0.001

Kilowatt → Watt

W = kW × 1000

Formula

W = kW × 1000

Generator and solar system specs are typically expressed in kilowatts, while individual appliance ratings appear in watts. When planning a backup power system, you need to convert the generator's 7 kW rating to 7,000 W to compare it directly against the watt draw of each appliance. The same applies when calculating a circuit's capacity: a 20-amp, 120 V circuit is rated 2,400 W = 2.4 kW. Electrical codes can limit continuous loads below the circuit rating. Check the code that applies to you.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Reviewed by the Convert Calc editorial team · Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · see our methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

A 1 kW electric space heater draws 1,000 W.

1 kW = 1000 W

A 3.5 kW clothes dryer draws 3,500 W.

3.5 kW = 3500 W

A 7.2 kW Level 2 EV charger draws 7,200 W and delivers up to 7.2 kWh per hour.

7.2 kW = 7200 W

A 0.35 kW solar panel produces 350 W at its rated conditions.

0.35 kW = 350 W

kw to hp hp to kw watts to kw mw to kw kw to mw btu h to watts

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