Horsepower to Kilowatts Converter
Convert horsepower to kilowatts instantly and back. Supports mechanical HP and metric HP (PS), with worked examples, a car-engine chart and the exact conversion factors.
Updated 2026-06-14 · Free · No sign-up · Runs privately in your browser
Show the formula & steps
How the Horsepower to Kilowatts Converter Works
This converter switches between horsepower (HP) and kilowatts (kW) in both directions, supporting both mechanical horsepower (0.7457 kW) and metric horsepower / PS (0.73550 kW). Type a value, pick the system, and the result updates live with the steps shown.
The Formula
Kilowatts = mechanical HP × 0.745699872 Kilowatts = metric HP (PS) × 0.73549875
Mechanical horsepower is the unit used in US and UK car specs. Metric horsepower, written PS (German) or CV (French/Italian), is common across continental Europe and is about 1.4% smaller.
Worked Example
Convert 150 mechanical horsepower to kilowatts:
- 150 × 0.745699872 = 111.85 kW
Convert 100 kilowatts to mechanical horsepower:
- 100 ÷ 0.745699872 = 134.1 hp
Car-Engine Reference Chart
| Horsepower (mechanical) | Kilowatts |
|---|---|
| 100 | 74.57 |
| 150 | 111.85 |
| 200 | 149.14 |
| 300 | 223.71 |
| 500 | 372.85 |
Mechanical HP vs Metric HP
When comparing car power figures across regions, check whether the number is HP/bhp (mechanical, 745.7 W) or PS/CV (metric, 735.5 W). A “150 PS” engine is about 148 mechanical horsepower — close, but not identical. For electric motors, manufacturers usually quote power directly in kilowatts, so the conversion lets you compare them against combustion engines on equal terms.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilowatts are in one horsepower?+
One mechanical horsepower equals about 0.7457 kilowatts. The metric horsepower (PS), common in European specs, is slightly smaller at 0.73550 kW.
How do I convert horsepower to kilowatts?+
Multiply mechanical horsepower by 0.7457, or metric horsepower (PS) by 0.73550. For example, 150 hp × 0.7457 = 111.85 kW.
What is the difference between mechanical HP and metric HP?+
Mechanical (imperial) horsepower is 745.7 W, defined from 550 foot-pounds per second. Metric horsepower (PS or CV) is 735.5 W, defined from 75 kilogram-force meters per second.
How many kW is a 200 hp engine?+
A 200 mechanical-horsepower engine produces about 149.1 kW. Multiply 200 by 0.7457 to confirm the figure.
How do I convert kW back to horsepower?+
Divide kilowatts by 0.7457 for mechanical horsepower, or by 0.73550 for metric horsepower. For example, 100 kW ÷ 0.7457 = 134.1 hp.