The kilowatt is a power unit equal to 1,000 watts. It is widely used for equipment and system capacity.
The kilowatt became common because many practical machine and utility ratings are easier to read in thousands of watts.
Measurement system: International System of Units (SI, multiple unit). SI equivalent: 1 kW = 1000 W.
Kilowatt facts
- Unit name
- Kilowatt
- Symbol
- kW
- Category
- Power
- Measurement system
- International System of Units (SI, multiple unit)
- SI equivalent
- 1 kW = 1000 W
- Common uses
- Panels, HVAC equipment, generators and machine ratings
Definition of the kilowatt
The kilowatt is a power unit equal to 1,000 watts. It is widely used for equipment and system capacity.
Measurement system and SI relationship
International System of Units (SI, multiple unit)
SI equivalent: 1 kW = 1000 W
History of the kilowatt
The kilowatt became common because many practical machine and utility ratings are easier to read in thousands of watts.
Where is the kilowatt used?
Panels, HVAC equipment, generators and machine ratings