Watts and kilowatts measure power in the same metric system. One kilowatt equals exactly 1,000 watts, so convert watts to kilowatts by dividing by 1,000.
Worked Example
For 500 watts: 500 ÷ 1,000 = 0.5 kW.
Unit Definitions
Watts: A watt is the SI derived unit of power.
kW: A kilowatt equals exactly 1,000 watts.
Practical Uses
converting appliance power ratings into kilowatts
comparing electrical equipment with different power labels
preparing power values for energy-use calculations
working with motors, heaters, tools, and other electrical loads
Precision and Rounding
The relationship is exact: 1 kW = 1,000 W. Any rounding depends only on how many decimal places are displayed.
Important Notes
The prefix kilo means 1,000.
Watts and kilowatts measure power, not energy.
A 1,000-watt device has a power rating of exactly 1 kilowatt.