Power Calculator

Solve P = W ÷ t for power, work or time — enter the two values you have.

Reviewed by the OmniCalc teamMethod verified 2026-07-01

Solve for

Result

250W

= 0.25 kW

Power 250 W
Show steps
  1. P = W ÷ t = 1,000 J ÷ 4 s = 250 W.
  2. In kilowatts: P = 250 W ÷ 1000 = 0.25 kW.

How to use the power calculator

  1. 1Choose to solve for power, work or time.
  2. 2Enter the two known values: work in joules (J) and time in seconds (s).
  3. 3Read the answer in watts, with the kilowatt equivalent and the rearranged formula under Show steps.

Power isn't energy

Work (joules) is the total energy spent; power(watts) is how fast you spend it. The same 1000 J delivered in 1 s is 1000 W, but over 100 s it’s only 10 W — same energy, different power. Your utility’skilowatt-hour is the reverse: it measures energy, not power.

Frequently asked questions

What is the power formula?

Power is the work done divided by the time taken: P = W ÷ t. Rearranged, work W = P × t and time t = W ÷ P. The result is in watts when work is in joules and time in seconds.

What is a watt?

One watt is one joule of energy transferred every second (1 W = 1 J/s). A 60 W bulb uses 60 joules each second; a 1500 W kettle uses 1500 joules each second, or 1.5 kilowatts.

How do watts relate to kilowatts?

A kilowatt is 1000 watts, so divide watts by 1000 to get kilowatts. The calculator shows the kilowatt equivalent automatically — 2500 W is 2.5 kW.

Why must time be greater than zero?

Power measures a rate over time, so dividing by zero (or a negative duration) has no physical meaning. Enter a positive number of seconds and the calculator returns a result.