Kilowatts to Horsepower Calculator
A kW to HP calculator converts power measurements between kilowatts (kW) (metric/SI unit) and horsepower (HP) (mechanical/imperial unit). This conversion is essential for:
✅ Automotive engineering (engine power ratings)
✅ Industrial machinery (motor specifications)
✅ HVAC systems (compressor power)
✅ Electric motors & pumps
Conversion Formulas
1. kW to Mechanical HP (Most Common)
Example:
Convert 75 kW to HP:
2. kW to Metric HP (PS, used in Europe)
Example:
Convert 50 kW to PS:
3. HP to kW (Reverse Calculation)
Conversion Table (kW ⇆ HP)
Kilowatts (kW) | Mechanical HP | Metric HP (PS) |
---|---|---|
1 kW | 1.34 HP | 1.36 PS |
5 kW | 6.71 HP | 6.80 PS |
10 kW | 13.41 HP | 13.60 PS |
20 kW | 26.82 HP | 27.19 PS |
50 kW | 67.05 HP | 67.98 PS |
100 kW | 134.10 HP | 135.96 PS |
How to Use the Calculator
Enter kW → Get HP (Multiply by 1.34102 for mechanical HP).
For PS (metric HP), multiply by 1.35962.
Example Calculations:
22 kW to HP:
30 kW to PS:
Practical Applications
Car Engines: European cars often list power in kW, while US uses HP.
Electric Vehicles: Motor output in kW, often converted to HP for comparison.
Industrial Pumps/Compressors: Power ratings in HP or kW depending on region.
Comparison of Power Units
Unit | Kilowatts (kW) | Mechanical HP | Metric PS |
---|---|---|---|
1 kW | 1 kW | 1.341 HP | 1.360 PS |
1 HP (mechanical) | 0.7457 kW | 1 HP | 1.014 PS |
1 PS (metric) | 0.7355 kW | 0.986 HP | 1 PS |
FAQ
1. How many HP is 1 kW?
✅ 1 kW ≈ 1.34 HP (mechanical) or 1.36 PS (metric).
2. Why do Europe and US use different units?
🔹 Metric (kW/PS) vs. Imperial (HP) standards.
3. Is HP or kW more accurate?
🔹 kW is the SI unit, preferred for technical precision.
4. How to convert 150 kW to HP?
5. What’s the difference between HP and PS?
🔹 1 PS = 0.986 HP (Metric HP is ~1.4% less than mechanical HP).