What is the unit of measure for apparent power?

Apparent power is measured in volt-amperes (VA). It represents the total power flow in an electrical system and incorporates both active (real) power, measured in watts, and reactive power, which is power that oscillates between the source and the load but does no useful work. This makes volt-amperes a crucial measurement in alternating current (AC) systems where both types of power are present.

The distinction between apparent power and other measurements lies in the way different types of power are accounted for in a circuit. While watts are strictly the measure of real power that performs useful work, volt-amperes take into account the total power in a circuit without differentiating between the portions that do work and those that do not.

Ohms are a unit of resistance, and amperes denote the flow of current. These units do not represent power directly, which is why they are not relevant in the context of measuring apparent power. As a result, volt-amperes is the correct choice for measuring apparent power, making it essential for both understanding and managing the distribution and flow of electrical energy in various applications.