Can you convert volts to amps directly?

Not by themselves. Current depends on the load. With the power in watts, amps = watts ÷ volts; with resistance in ohms, amps = volts ÷ ohms (Ohm's law).

How many amps is 120 volts?

There's no fixed answer — it depends on the load. A 600W load at 120V is 5 amps; an 1,800W load at 120V is 15 amps.

What about Ohm's law?

If you know resistance instead of power, use amps = volts ÷ ohms. This calculator uses the power form (watts ÷ volts), which is what most appliance questions need.

Calculators · Converters

Volts to Amps Calculator

Volts alone don't give you amps — you also need the power in watts. Then amps = watts ÷ volts. Enter both below.

Watts (W)

Voltage

Other

12.5 amps

At 120 volts, 1500 watts works out to about 12.5 amps.

Will it trip the breaker? That's well within a 20-amp circuit (safe continuous limit 16A).

Runs in your browser — nothing is sent anywhere. Estimates assume nominal voltage and ideal conditions; confirm with a licensed electrician and local code before sizing wire or breakers.

Watts to amps table (120V & 240V)

Watts	Amps @ 120V	Amps @ 240V
100 W	0.83 A	0.42 A
500 W	4.17 A	2.08 A
1,000 W	8.33 A	4.17 A
1,200 W	10 A	5 A
1,500 W	12.5 A	6.25 A
1,800 W	15 A	7.5 A
2,000 W	16.67 A	8.33 A
3,000 W	25 A	12.5 A
5,000 W	41.67 A	20.83 A

Resistive load (power factor 1). A motor draws a bit more — divide by ~0.8.

The formula

Divide the watts by the volts. Amps = Watts ÷ Volts. Volts on their own can't give a current; the load (watts) is what sets it.

Example: An 1,800-watt load at 120 volts: 1800 ÷ 120 = 15 amps — the full rating of a 15-amp circuit (so it's really a 20-amp-circuit load once you apply the 80% rule).

One caveat that keeps people safe: This is a guide for estimation only. Conversions assume nominal voltage and ideal conditions; real installations vary with power factor, voltage drop, temperature, wire type, and continuous vs. brief use. It doesn't replace the National Electrical Code or a licensed electrician — always confirm with a pro and local code before sizing wire, breakers, or circuits.

Hiring out the wiring?

Before you pay anyone to touch your panel or wiring, make sure they're actually licensed. You can check a contractor's license on StateCreds — our sister site.

Verify a contractor's license by state →

Common questions

Can you convert volts to amps directly?: Not by themselves. Current depends on the load. With the power in watts, amps = watts ÷ volts; with resistance in ohms, amps = volts ÷ ohms (Ohm's law).
How many amps is 120 volts?: There's no fixed answer — it depends on the load. A 600W load at 120V is 5 amps; an 1,800W load at 120V is 15 amps.
What about Ohm's law?: If you know resistance instead of power, use amps = volts ÷ ohms. This calculator uses the power form (watts ÷ volts), which is what most appliance questions need.

All electrical converters →