What is wattage a measure of?

Wattage is an indication of the power consumption of a device and is calculated by the product of volts and amps. When a device operates, it draws a certain amount of voltage (the potential difference) and a certain amount of current (the flow of electric charge). The relationship that defines wattage involves these two factors: watts equal volts multiplied by amps. Thus, knowing wattage helps to determine how much overall electrical power a device requires to function effectively. Understanding this relationship is crucial when selecting devices and ensuring that power supplies meet the necessary specifications for safe and efficient operation.