The kilovolt-ampere (kVA) is a unit for measuring apparent power in electrical systems.
Unlike kilowatts (kW), which measure the actual power used (real power), kVA takes into account both active power (useful) and reactive power (not consumed but necessary for the operation of certain equipment). It is particularly used for sizing transformers, generators, and industrial installations. kVA thus reflects the total capacity an electrical system can provide, regardless of the efficiency with which this power is used.
In a perfectly efficient network (power factor of 1), 1 kVA is equivalent to 1 kW.