Horsepower to Kilowatts Converter | Free Online hp to kW Calculator

⚙️ Free Online Power Converter

Horsepower to Kilowatts Converter

Instantly Convert hp ↔ kW — Mechanical, Metric & Electrical

Convert horsepower to kilowatts (hp → kW) or kilowatts to horsepower (kW → hp) instantly. Supports mechanical, metric, and electrical horsepower — with exact formulas, reference tables, and real-world examples. Free, no sign-up needed.

✅ hp → kW

✅ kW → hp

✅ 3 hp Types

✅ Reference Table

Horsepower to Kilowatts (hp to kW) Converter

Horsepower and kilowatts are both units of power — the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. Our converter supports all three common types of horsepower: mechanical (imperial), metric, and electrical — each with a slightly different conversion factor.

🐎 What is Horsepower?

Horsepower (hp) is an imperial unit of power originally defined by James Watt in the late 18th century to compare steam engine output to the work of draft horses. Today, three variants are in common use: mechanical (imperial) hp used in the US and UK for engines and motors; metric hp used in Europe for vehicle specs (also called PS or CV); and electrical hp used for electric motors and appliances.

⚡ What is a Kilowatt?

The kilowatt (kW) is the SI metric unit of power equal to 1,000 watts — where one watt is one joule per second. It is used globally in science, engineering, and industry to measure the power output of engines, electric motors, appliances, and power plants. Electric vehicles are rated in kW, and household electricity usage is billed in kilowatt-hours (kWh = kW × hours).

🔢 Three Conversion Factors

There is no single hp-to-kW factor — it depends on which type of horsepower you mean. Mechanical hp: 1 hp = 0.745699872 kW. Metric hp: 1 hp(M) = 0.73549875 kW. Electrical hp: 1 hp(E) = 0.746 kW (exact by definition). In everyday use, mechanical and electrical hp are very close — but metric hp is noticeably smaller, which is why European car specs often look lower in hp than equivalent US figures.

⚙️ Horsepower to Kilowatts Converter

Select hp type, choose direction, enter your value, and get an instant conversion

Horsepower Type:

Value in Horsepower (hp)

Result in Kilowatts (kW)

Converted Value

— kW

—

Watts

—

Megawatts

—

BTU/hour

—

ft-lb/sec

—

Horsepower to Kilowatts Formulas

There are three widely used definitions of horsepower, each with a slightly different conversion factor to kilowatts. Always confirm which type of hp is being used before applying a formula — the difference between mechanical and metric hp is about 1.4%, which matters in precision engineering and vehicle specification.

🔧 Mechanical (Imperial) Horsepower → Kilowatts

kW = hp(I) × 0.745699872

Example: 100 hp × 0.7457 = 74.570 kW

Example: 200 hp × 0.7457 = 149.140 kW

Example: 500 hp × 0.7457 = 372.850 kW

🚗 Metric Horsepower (PS / CV) → Kilowatts

kW = hp(M) × 0.73549875

Example: 100 hp(M) × 0.73550 = 73.550 kW

Example: 200 hp(M) × 0.73550 = 147.100 kW

Example: 500 hp(M) × 0.73550 = 367.749 kW

⚡ Electrical Horsepower → Kilowatts

kW = hp(E) × 0.746 (exact by definition)

Example: 100 hp(E) × 0.746 = 74.600 kW

Example: 200 hp(E) × 0.746 = 149.200 kW

Example: 500 hp(E) × 0.746 = 373.000 kW

    💡 Kilowatts → Horsepower (Reverse Formula): To convert kW back to
    horsepower, divide by the conversion factor (or multiply by its reciprocal).
    Mechanical: hp = kW ÷ 0.745700 (= kW × 1.34102).
    Metric: hp(M) = kW ÷ 0.735499 (= kW × 1.35962).
    Electrical: hp(E) = kW ÷ 0.746 (= kW × 1.34048).
  

⚡ Quick Reference — Mechanical hp to kW (Most Common)

1 hp0.7457 kW

10 hp7.457 kW

50 hp37.285 kW

100 hp74.570 kW

150 hp111.855 kW

200 hp149.140 kW

300 hp223.710 kW

500 hp372.850 kW

Horsepower to Kilowatts Conversion Table

The table below covers all three common horsepower types for the most frequently needed values. Use it to compare how the same nominal hp rating differs in kW depending on the standard being used — a critical distinction in automotive, industrial, and electrical engineering.

Horsepower (hp)	Mechanical kW	Metric kW (PS)	Electrical kW	Common Context
1 hp	0.7457 kW	0.7355 kW	0.746 kW	Small garden tool motor
2 hp	1.4914 kW	1.4710 kW	1.492 kW	Lawn mower / small pump
5 hp	3.7285 kW	3.6775 kW	3.730 kW	Air compressor / table saw
10 hp	7.4570 kW	7.3550 kW	7.460 kW	Small industrial motor
20 hp	14.914 kW	14.710 kW	14.920 kW	Mid-size industrial motor
50 hp	37.285 kW	36.775 kW	37.300 kW	Large workshop motor
75 hp	55.927 kW	55.162 kW	55.950 kW	Small car engine (economy)
100 hp	74.570 kW	73.550 kW	74.600 kW	Typical compact car engine
150 hp	111.855 kW	110.325 kW	111.900 kW	Mid-size saloon engine
200 hp	149.140 kW	147.100 kW	149.200 kW	Performance hatchback
300 hp	223.710 kW	220.650 kW	223.800 kW	Sports car engine
400 hp	298.280 kW	294.200 kW	298.400 kW	High-performance sports car
500 hp	372.850 kW	367.749 kW	373.000 kW	Supercar / muscle car
750 hp	559.275 kW	551.624 kW	559.500 kW	Hypercar / race car
1,000 hp	745.700 kW	735.499 kW	746.000 kW	Bugatti Chiron class

Kilowatts to Horsepower Conversion Table

Converting kW to horsepower? The table below shows common kW values converted to all three horsepower types. Note how metric hp (PS/CV) always gives the highest number for the same kW value — because each metric hp is the smallest of the three units.

Kilowatts (kW)	Mechanical hp	Metric hp (PS)	Electrical hp
1 kW	1.34102 hp	1.35962 hp	1.34048 hp
5 kW	6.70511 hp	6.79810 hp	6.70241 hp
10 kW	13.4102 hp	13.5962 hp	13.4048 hp
20 kW	26.8204 hp	27.1924 hp	26.8097 hp
37 kW	49.618 hp	50.306 hp	49.598 hp
50 kW	67.051 hp	67.981 hp	67.024 hp
75 kW	100.577 hp	101.971 hp	100.536 hp
100 kW	134.102 hp	135.962 hp	134.048 hp
150 kW	201.153 hp	203.943 hp	201.072 hp
200 kW	268.204 hp	271.924 hp	268.097 hp
250 kW	335.255 hp	339.905 hp	335.121 hp
300 kW	402.307 hp	407.886 hp	402.145 hp
500 kW	670.511 hp	679.810 hp	670.241 hp
1,000 kW (1 MW)	1,341.02 hp	1,359.62 hp	1,340.48 hp

When Do You Need to Convert hp to kW?

The horsepower-to-kilowatt conversion appears across a wide range of fields — from automotive and electric vehicles to industrial machinery, home appliances, and energy engineering. Here are the most common real-world scenarios.

🚗 Automotive & Vehicle Specs

US car manufacturers rate engines in mechanical hp, while European and Asian manufacturers use kW or metric hp (PS/CV). Comparing vehicles across markets requires conversion. For example, a 200 hp US engine = 149.14 kW, while a European car listed at 200 PS = 147.10 kW — slightly less power despite the same headline number.

🔋 Electric Vehicles (EVs)

EVs are rated exclusively in kW for motor output and kWh for battery capacity — but many buyers are more familiar with hp. Converting kW to hp makes it easier to compare an EV against a petrol car. A 300 kW EV motor = 402.3 mechanical hp, which is why EVs often appear dramatically powerful by traditional hp standards.

⚙️ Industrial Motors & Machinery

Electric motors in the US are rated in hp (following NEMA standards), while IEC (international) standards use kW. Converting between them is essential when sourcing motors internationally or specifying equipment across different markets. A common industrial motor rated at 37 kW = 49.6 hp under NEMA classification — typically sold as a 50 hp motor.

🏠 Home Appliances & HVAC

Air conditioners, heat pumps, and large domestic appliances in the US are rated in hp (especially for compressors and motors), while energy labels and electricity bills use kW and kWh. A 1.5 hp air conditioner compressor = 1.119 kW of motor input power. Converting helps calculate running costs accurately using electricity tariffs. See also: BTU to Joules for related HVAC conversions.

🚢 Marine & Aviation Engines

Boat and ship engines, as well as general aviation aircraft, are rated in hp in North America, while international and military specifications use kW. A typical general aviation piston engine rated at 200 hp = 149.14 kW. Turboprop and turboshaft aircraft engines are rated in shaft horsepower (shp), which for conversion purposes uses the same mechanical hp factor.

🏭 Power Generation

Small generator sets are sold in hp ratings in the US market, while utility-scale and commercial generators use kW or MW. A portable generator rated at 10,000 watts (10 kW) = 13.41 hp. Standby generators for homes and businesses are specified in kW in most of the world, requiring conversion when sourcing US-made equipment specified in hp.

✅ hp vs kW at a Glance: One mechanical horsepower is smaller than one kilowatt — about 74.6% of a kilowatt. So when converting hp to kW, the number will always be lower. Conversely, a given kW value always converts to a higher number of hp (multiply kW by ~1.341 for mechanical hp). This is why the same car often looks more impressive on a US spec sheet (hp) than a European one (kW).

Horsepower & Kilowatts — Key Facts

    📖 Historical Note: James Watt coined the term "horsepower" around
    1782 to market his steam engines to mine operators familiar with horse-powered pumps.
    He estimated one horse could turn a 24-foot mill wheel 144 times per hour — equivalent
    to lifting 33,000 pounds one foot per minute, which became the definition of
    1 mechanical hp = 550 ft-lb/sec = 745.7 W. The metric horsepower
    (PS, from German Pferdestärke) was defined slightly differently at exactly
    75 kgf·m/s = 735.499 W.
  

1 mechanical hp = 745.699872 W = 0.745700 kW
1 metric hp (PS/CV) = 735.49875 W = 0.735499 kW
1 electrical hp = 746 W = 0.746 kW (exact, IEEE defined)
1 boiler hp = 9,809.5 W = 9.8095 kW — used in steam boiler ratings
1 kW = 1.34102 mechanical hp = 1.35962 metric hp = 1.34048 electrical hp
1 mechanical hp = 550 ft-lb per second = 33,000 ft-lb per minute
1 mechanical hp = 2,544.43 BTU per hour
The most powerful production car engine ever: Bugatti Bolide at 1,825 hp = 1,361 kW
A typical human sustained power output is about 0.1 hp = 75 W
The world's most powerful wind turbines produce up to 15,000 kW = 20,117 hp

⚠️ Mechanical vs Metric hp — Why It Matters for Car Shopping: A European car advertised at 200 PS (metric hp) produces 147.1 kW, while a US car rated at 200 hp (mechanical) produces 149.1 kW — about 2 kW (1.4%) more power. The numbers look the same on paper but refer to different amounts of power. Always check whether a vehicle's power figure is in mechanical hp, metric hp (PS/CV), or kW before making comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Horsepower to Kilowatts

How many kW is 1 horsepower?

It depends on the type of horsepower: 1 mechanical hp = 0.745700 kW (used in US/UK for engines). 1 metric hp (PS/CV) = 0.735499 kW (used in European car specs). 1 electrical hp = 0.746 kW (used for electric motors — exact value). In most everyday contexts when people say "horsepower," they mean mechanical hp, so 1 hp ≈ 0.7457 kW is the standard answer.

How do I convert horsepower to kilowatts?

Multiply the hp value by the appropriate conversion factor: Mechanical: kW = hp × 0.7457. Metric: kW = hp(M) × 0.7355. Electrical: kW = hp(E) × 0.746. Example (mechanical): 150 hp × 0.7457 = 111.855 kW. Example (metric): 150 PS × 0.7355 = 110.325 kW. Use the converter above with the hp type selector for instant, accurate results.

How many horsepower is 100 kW?

100 kW converts to: 134.10 mechanical hp (÷ 0.7457 or × 1.34102). 135.96 metric hp (PS) (÷ 0.7355 or × 1.35962). 134.05 electrical hp (÷ 0.746 or × 1.34048). 100 kW is a common power rating for electric vehicles and mid-size industrial motors — equivalent to roughly 134 bhp in traditional automotive terms.

What is 200 hp in kW?

200 mechanical hp = 200 × 0.7457 = 149.14 kW. 200 metric hp (PS) = 200 × 0.7355 = 147.10 kW. 200 electrical hp = 200 × 0.746 = 149.20 kW. A car with 200 hp is a common benchmark for mid-range performance vehicles. In Europe, the same car would be listed as either 149 kW or approximately 200 PS depending on the market and standard used.

What is the difference between mechanical hp and metric hp (PS)?

Mechanical hp = 550 ft-lb/sec = 745.699872 W. Defined by James Watt based on foot-pounds and used in the US and UK. Metric hp (PS/CV) = 75 kgf·m/s = 735.49875 W. Defined using metric units (kilograms-force and metres) and used widely in Europe, Japan, and Asia. The mechanical hp is approximately 1.4% larger than the metric hp. This means a car listed at 200 PS in Germany produces slightly less power than a US car listed at 200 hp.

How do you convert kW to horsepower?

Divide kW by the conversion factor — or multiply by the reciprocal: Mechanical hp = kW × 1.34102 (divide by 0.7457). Metric hp = kW × 1.35962 (divide by 0.7355). Electrical hp = kW × 1.34048 (divide by 0.746). Example: 75 kW × 1.34102 = 100.58 mechanical hp. Use the "Kilowatts → hp" direction on the converter above for instant results.

How many hp is a 1,000 kW electric motor?

1,000 kW = 1,341.02 mechanical hp or 1,359.62 metric hp (PS). 1,000 kW (1 MW) motors are used in large industrial applications — ship propulsion systems, rolling mills, mining conveyors, and high-speed rail traction. This is also the approximate power output of the largest V12 diesel locomotive engines. Many modern high-performance hypercars exceed 1,000 kW of combined powertrain output.

Is bhp the same as hp?

bhp (brake horsepower) is mechanical horsepower measured at the engine's crankshaft output using a dynamometer (brake) — without accounting for drivetrain losses. It uses the same unit size as mechanical hp (1 bhp = 745.7 W = 0.7457 kW), so for conversion purposes bhp and hp are identical. The distinction is in how the measurement is taken (at the brake/dyno), not in the unit definition itself. In everyday UK automotive use, hp and bhp are used interchangeably.

Useful Power & Unit Conversion Resources

🌐 NIST — Unit Conversions

The National Institute of Standards and Technology provides official definitions and conversion factors for all US customary units including horsepower, with full traceability to SI base units such as the watt and kilowatt.

Visit NIST →

📐 BIPM — SI Units & Watt

The Bureau International des Poids et Mesures defines the watt as the SI unit of power. Their SI brochure provides the complete international framework for all power unit definitions, including the relationship between watts, kilowatts, and megawatts.

Visit BIPM →

🔢 More Power Converters

Need to convert other power or energy units? Explore our full collection of free converters at ConcreteMetric — covering watts, BTU, joules, foot-pounds, and more, all with exact formulas, reference tables, and worked examples.

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