(kilo Volt Ampres) or sometimes in kW (kilo Watts). The next question is what’s the difference? Both are
measurements of power however they are truly different.
To understand the differences consider how each are derived. kW is called actual or real power, or simply the amount of power that is available to do real work. kVA. On the other hand kVA is known as “apparent” power. This is because only a portion of the available kVA may be available to do real work. The remainder is simply excess current.

current’s phase with respect to the voltage’s phase. Inductive loads cause current to lag behind voltage,while capacitive loads cause current to lead voltage hence leading or
lagging power factor.
kVA = Volts x A
kW= Volts x Amps x Power Factor or [kVA x Power Factor]
The next question is why express the kVA value of a device and what use is kVA if only part of it can do work? The reason kVA is used as a rating is because the rating of an electrical device is dependent on the amount of
current they can sustain. A kW rating does not indicate how much current
a device can carry (as the power factor may not be known) where kVA
does indicate the maximum current at a specific voltage level.