How is electrical current measured?

Electrical current is measured in amperes, commonly abbreviated as "A." The definition of an ampere is based on the flow of electric charge; one ampere represents one coulomb of charge passing through a point in a circuit in one second. Understanding this unit is critical because current is a key component in electrical systems, and it dictates how much charge is flowing, which is essential for calculating power, resistance, and other electrical properties.

Volts measure electric potential or voltage, which indicates the potential energy per unit charge available to drive the current. Ohms are the unit of measurement for electrical resistance, which quantifies how much an object resists the flow of electric current. Watts measure electrical power, which is a function of both current and voltage (calculated as power equals current multiplied by voltage). Each of these units plays a distinct role in understanding and analyzing electrical circuits, but when it comes to specifically measuring the flow of current, amperes is the correct and relevant unit.