KW to HP Converter (Mechanical Horsepower)
Convert kilowatts to horsepower in one step. The result is in mechanical (imperial) horsepower, with metric horsepower (PS) and electrical horsepower shown as side values.
Horsepower = Kilowatts ÷ 0.7456998716
KW to HP Formula
One mechanical horsepower is defined as 550 foot-pounds per second, which equals 745.69987158 watts, so dividing kilowatts by 0.7456998716 gives horsepower (the same as multiplying by about 1.341022). To convert horsepower to kilowatts, multiply by 0.7456998716. Output standard: mechanical (imperial) horsepower, 1 hp = 745.7 W. Metric horsepower (PS) is 735.49875 W and gives a slightly larger number for the same power.
About Kilowatts and Horsepower
A kilowatt (kW) is 1,000 watts and is the SI unit used for the power of engines, electric motors, chargers and generators in most of the world. Horsepower was coined by James Watt in the 18th century to compare steam engines with draft horses, and several versions are in use. This converter returns mechanical horsepower (745.7 W), the standard in the US and UK. Metric horsepower (PS, CV or pk) is 735.49875 W and electrical horsepower is 746 W, so a manufacturer’s “hp” figure can differ by about 1.4% depending on the version it uses.
How to Convert KW to HP
- Enter the power in kilowatts. Decimals such as 37.5 are fine. Negative values are accepted for signed power flow, such as regenerative braking in an electric vehicle.
- The answer in mechanical horsepower appears instantly, or press Convert Now. Watts, metric horsepower (PS) and electrical horsepower are shown as side values.
- Use Swap Units to convert horsepower to kilowatts, Copy Result to copy the answer, or Clear to start again.
By hand: divide the kilowatts by 0.7457, or multiply by 1.341. A quick estimate is to add about a third to the kW figure: 90 kW is roughly 120 hp (exact: 120.691988 hp).
Practical Examples
- Compact car engine: 85 kW ÷ 0.7456998716 = 113.986878 hp.
- Electric vehicle motor: 150 kW is 201.153313 hp.
- Performance car: 300 kW is 402.306627 hp.
- Diesel generator: 20 kW is 26.820442 hp.
- Regenerative braking: −50 kW (power returned to the battery) is -67.051104 hp.
KW to HP – Common Values
Quick reference for frequently used conversions
| Kilowatts (kW) | Mechanical HP | Metric HP (PS) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 kW | 0.670511 hp | 0.679811 PS |
| 1 kW | 1.341022 hp | 1.359622 PS |
| 2 kW | 2.682044 hp | 2.719243 PS |
| 3 kW | 4.023066 hp | 4.078865 PS |
| 5 kW | 6.70511 hp | 6.798108 PS |
| 7.5 kW | 10.057666 hp | 10.197162 PS |
| 10 kW | 13.410221 hp | 13.596216 PS |
| 15 kW | 20.115331 hp | 20.394324 PS |
| 20 kW | 26.820442 hp | 27.192432 PS |
| 37 kW | 49.617817 hp | 50.306 PS |
| 50 kW | 67.051104 hp | 67.981081 PS |
| 75 kW | 100.576657 hp | 101.971621 PS |
| 100 kW | 134.102209 hp | 135.962162 PS |
| 150 kW | 201.153313 hp | 203.943243 PS |
| 200 kW | 268.204418 hp | 271.924323 PS |
| 300 kW | 402.306627 hp | 407.886485 PS |
| 500 kW | 670.511045 hp | 679.810809 PS |
| 1000 kW | 1,341.02209 hp | 1,359.621617 PS |
Where and Why This Conversion Is Used
Kilowatts are the official figure on specification sheets and in regulations, but horsepower is still the number most buyers in the US and UK recognise.
- Cars and motorcycles: European and Asian specifications list kW, while marketing and comparisons in the US use hp.
- Electric vehicles: motor and charger ratings in kW translated to the horsepower figures drivers expect.
- Industrial motors and pumps: nameplates may show kW, while older equipment and catalogues are rated in hp.
- Generators and compressors: matching a kW output to an hp-rated engine or load.
- Marine and agriculture: outboard engines and tractors are commonly sold by horsepower.
For the opposite direction use the HP to KW Converter. For other everyday conversions see the KG to LBS Converter.