Kilowatts to Horsepower Converter
Convert kilowatts (kW) to horsepower (hp) instantly. Enter any kW value to get mechanical horsepower, with the conversion factor and reverse direction shown.
Updated 2026-06-14 · Free · No sign-up · Runs privately in your browser
Show the formula & steps
How the Kilowatts to Horsepower Converter Works
This tool converts kilowatts (kW) into mechanical horsepower (hp) and back again. Power is the rate at which energy is used or produced, and both units measure the same thing in different scales. Engineers and regulators favour kilowatts, while car and equipment marketing usually quotes horsepower.
The Formula
Horsepower = kilowatts × 1.34102 Kilowatts = horsepower ÷ 1.34102
The factor 1.34102 comes from the definition of one mechanical horsepower as 745.7 watts. Since a kilowatt is 1,000 watts, 1,000 ÷ 745.7 = 1.34102 hp per kW.
Worked Example
Convert a 100 kW electric motor to horsepower:
- hp = 100 × 1.34102 = 134.1 hp
Going the other way, a 200 hp engine in kilowatts:
- kW = 200 ÷ 1.34102 = 149.1 kW
kW to hp Quick Reference
| Kilowatts (kW) | Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 67.1 |
| 100 | 134.1 |
| 150 | 201.2 |
| 200 | 268.2 |
| 250 | 335.3 |
Mechanical vs Metric Horsepower
There are two common “horsepower” definitions. Mechanical (imperial) horsepower equals 745.7 W and is used in the US and UK. Metric horsepower (PS or CV) equals 735.5 W and is common in mainland Europe. This converter uses mechanical horsepower; if you need PS, multiply kW by 1.35962 instead.
Frequently asked questions
How many horsepower is 1 kilowatt?+
One kilowatt equals about 1.34102 mechanical horsepower. So 1 kW is roughly 1.34 hp. To convert any kW figure to horsepower, multiply by 1.34102.
How do I convert kilowatts to horsepower?+
Multiply the kilowatt value by 1.34102. For example, 100 kW × 1.34102 = 134.1 hp. To go the other way, divide horsepower by 1.34102 to get kilowatts.
Is this metric or mechanical horsepower?+
This converter uses mechanical (imperial) horsepower, the standard for engines in the US and UK. Metric horsepower (PS) is slightly different at 1 kW = 1.35962 PS, so values differ by about 1.4 percent.
How many kW is 200 hp?+
Divide 200 by 1.34102 to get about 149.1 kilowatts. Engine power is often quoted in horsepower in marketing but listed in kW on official documents in many countries.
Why do car specs list both kW and hp?+
Kilowatts are the SI unit used on registration and emissions paperwork, while horsepower is the familiar marketing figure. Both describe the same power output, just in different units.