Kilowatt is a power unit with the symbol kW. 1 kW = 1,000 W It belongs to the power system used across Xunits converter pages.
Quick facts
- Unit name
- Kilowatt
- Plural
- kilowatts
- Symbol
- kW
- Quantity
- power
- Category
- Power
- Base relationship
- 1 kW = 1,000 W
- Base unit
- Watt (W)
- Converter hub
- Power converter
Scale comparison
This chart places kW beside neighboring power units by their relationship to W.
Definition and symbol
The kilowatt is written with the symbol kW. In professional writing, keep the number and symbol together, preserve capitalization, and avoid replacing the symbol with a similar-looking informal abbreviation unless the source uses it.
Scale and relationships
Kilowatt is best understood relative to nearby power units. Power measures the rate at which energy is transferred or work is done. The SI unit is the watt, equal to one joule per second. The table below shows the exact Xunits relationship used by converter pages.
| Unit | Symbol | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Watt | W | 1 W is the base reference for this Xunits power category. |
| Kilowatt | kW | 1 kW = 1,000 W |
| Megawatt | MW | 1 MW = 1,000,000 W |
| Horsepower | hp | 1 hp = 745.699871582 W |
| BTU per Hour | BTU/h | 1 BTU/h = 0.293071070172 W |
Where kilowatt is used
Power units appear in motors, engines, pumps, compressors, generators, appliances, HVAC equipment, electrical systems, and energy analysis. Kilowatt is especially useful when the source instrument, document, product listing, or regional convention uses kW as its native unit.
Common mistakes
- Do not confuse power with energy. Kilowatt is power; kilowatt-hour is energy accumulated over time.
- Do not compare kW values with another unit until both values are converted to the same basis.
- Do not round too early when the value is used for sizing, limits, billing, reporting, or technical documentation.
Converters and formulas
Open a converter page when you need a direct calculation involving kilowatt.
Related unit guides
Compare kW with neighboring units in the same category.
FAQ
What is a kilowatt?
Kilowatt is a power unit represented by kW. 1 kW = 1,000 W
How do I convert kilowatt to another unit?
Use a matching Xunits converter page, or convert through the base relationship shown above. For most professional work, keep the original value visible and round only the final answer.
What is the most common mistake with kW?
The most common mistake is treating the numeric value as self-explanatory. Always keep the unit symbol and context with the number.