Horsepower to Kilowatt Converter 2026 - Power Conversion Calculator

Horsepower to Kilowatt Converter

Convert HP to kW for automotive and industrial power calculations

HP
kW

Quick Convert (Mechanical HP)

About Horsepower to Kilowatt Conversion

Horsepower and kilowatts are both units of power used to measure the rate of energy transfer. This conversion is essential in automotive, industrial, and electrical applications.

Conversion Formulas

  • Mechanical HP: 1 HP = 0.7457 kW
  • Metric HP (PS): 1 PS = 0.7355 kW
  • Electrical HP: 1 HP = 0.746 kW

Common Conversions (Mechanical HP)

  • 100 HP = 74.57 kW
  • 200 HP = 149.14 kW
  • 300 HP = 223.71 kW
  • 500 HP = 372.85 kW
  • 1000 HP = 745.7 kW

Types of Horsepower

  • Mechanical HP: Most common in US (745.7 watts)
  • Metric HP (PS): Used in Europe (735.5 watts)
  • Electrical HP: Used for electric motors (746 watts)
  • Brake HP (BHP): Engine output at crankshaft
  • Wheel HP (WHP): Power at the wheels

Applications

  • Automotive engine specifications
  • Electric motor ratings
  • Industrial machinery power
  • Generator capacity calculations
  • HVAC system sizing
  • Marine and aircraft engines

Real-World Examples

  • Small car engine: 150 HP = 112 kW
  • Sports car: 400 HP = 298 kW
  • Semi-truck: 500 HP = 373 kW
  • Industrial motor: 100 HP = 75 kW
  • Home generator: 20 kW = 27 HP

Important Notes

  • Power is the rate of doing work or transferring energy
  • Different HP definitions exist for different applications
  • kW is the standard SI unit for power
  • Always specify which type of HP when communicating