1. What is the Watts Equation?

The Watts equation (P = V × I) calculates electrical power in watts by multiplying voltage (in volts) by current (in amperes). It's fundamental for understanding energy consumption in electrical devices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic power equation:

Where:

• \( W \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( A \) — Current in amperes (A)

Explanation: This equation shows the direct relationship between voltage, current, and power in electrical systems.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating wattage helps determine energy consumption, select proper wiring and circuit protection, and estimate electricity costs for appliances.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Typical household voltage is 120V (North America) or 230V (Europe). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between watts and watt-hours?
A: Watts measure instantaneous power, while watt-hours measure energy consumption over time (watts × hours).

Q2: How can I measure current (amperes)?
A: Use a multimeter or clamp meter set to measure AC/DC current depending on your application.

Q3: Why does my device use more watts than calculated?
A: Power factor (for AC devices) and startup surges can cause higher actual consumption than simple V×A calculations.

Q4: What's a typical wattage for household appliances?
A: LED bulbs: 5-20W, Laptop: 30-90W, Refrigerator: 100-400W, Microwave: 600-1200W.

Q5: How do I convert watts to kilowatts?
A: Divide watts by 1000 (1 kW = 1000 W). This is useful for calculating electricity costs.