HP to kW Converter
Convert horsepower to kilowatts, or kilowatts to horsepower, with the factor shown.
What this tool does
To convert horsepower to kilowatts, multiply by 0.7457 (mechanical hp) or 0.7355 (metric hp, PS). So 100 hp is 74.57 kW, and 150 hp is 111.9 kW. To convert kW to hp, multiply by 1.341. Enter a power above for the exact result.
Converts between horsepower (mechanical), kilowatts, watts, metric horsepower (ps), btu per hour using exact factors, and shows the factor used.
Updates as you type, and the swap button reverses the direction.
How to use it
- Enter the value in horsepower (mechanical), or press Swap units to start from kilowatts.
- Pick another unit from the lists if you need a different one.
- Read the result and the factor beneath it.
- Press Copy to copy the result.
Why use this converter
Converts horsepower to kilowatts (and back) for both the mechanical horsepower and the metric horsepower (PS), which differ slightly. Car engines and motors are rated in horsepower in some markets and kilowatts in others, and there are two different horsepower units. Using the right one avoids a 1.4% error that can be confusing.
Why we built it
We built the hp to kW converter to cover both mechanical and metric horsepower, which differ slightly. See other power units on the power converter and estimate running cost with the electricity cost calculator.
Handy alongside this: the MM to Inches Converter.
Who this tool is for
- Car and motorcycle shoppers
- Engineers and electricians
- Anyone comparing motor ratings
When to use it
- Comparing car or motorcycle engines from different markets.
- Choosing an electric motor, pump or generator.
- Reading a spec sheet.
- Converting tool and machinery ratings.
How it works
One mechanical (imperial) horsepower is 745.69987 W, so 1 hp = 0.745700 kW. One metric horsepower (PS, CV, pk) is 735.49875 W, 0.7354988 kW. In reverse, 1 kW = 1.341022 hp or 1.359622 PS. One BTU/h is 0.29307 W.
| Horsepower (mechanical) | Kilowatts |
|---|---|
| 1 hp | 0.7457 kW |
| 50 hp | 37.285 kW |
| 100 hp | 74.57 kW |
| 150 hp | 111.855 kW |
| 300 hp | 223.71 kW |
| 500 hp | 372.85 kW |
What you give it, and what you get back
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Value | A number in the "from" unit. Decimals and negative numbers are accepted. |
| From and To | Any of 5 units: Horsepower (mechanical), Kilowatts, Watts, Metric horsepower (PS), BTU per hour. |
| Result | The converted value and the exact conversion factor. |
Issues you may run into
| What you see | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| bhp vs hp | Brake horsepower is measured at the engine; it is not a different unit. | Use the same conversion. |
| Car brochure differs | It may quote PS, not hp. | Choose metric horsepower in the units. |
| Peak vs continuous | A motor's peak and continuous ratings differ. | Compare like with like. |
Assumptions and limitations
- Results are shown with practical rounding; the calculation itself uses exact factors.
- It converts a number between units - it does not know what the quantity is.
Frequently asked questions
How many kW is 1 hp?
About 0.7457 kW for mechanical horsepower.
How do I convert hp to kW?
Multiply by 0.7457.
How many hp is 1 kW?
About 1.341 hp.
What is the difference between hp and PS?
Metric horsepower (PS) is 735.5 W; mechanical hp is 745.7 W.
What is 100 hp in kW?
About 74.6 kW.
Is it free and private?
Yes. It runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.