Convert Horsepower to Gigawatts

To convert horsepower (hp) to gigawatts (GW), you convert power units using a fixed factor. For electric horsepower, use this conversion:

• 1 hp (electric) = 0.000000746 GW
• 1 hp (electric) = 7.46 × 10^-7 GW

Formula (hp to GW):

• GW = hp × 7.46 × 10^-7

Example:

• 500,000 hp × 7.46 × 10^-7 = 0.373 GW

Use this method any time you need a horsepower to gigawatt conversion for large power values, like generators, motors, and power output ratings.

What is horsepower (hp) and what is a gigawatt (GW)?

Horsepower is a unit of power often used for engines, motors, and machines. A gigawatt is a metric unit of power used for large systems like power plants and electrical grids.
1 GW equals 1,000,000,000 watts.

How do you convert horsepower to gigawatts?

Convert horsepower to watts first, then convert watts to gigawatts.
Use this basic rule:

• GW = (hp × watts-per-hp) ÷ 1,000,000,000

The watts-per-hp value depends on the horsepower type you use.

What is the conversion from mechanical horsepower to gigawatts?

Mechanical horsepower (often used in the US) converts like this:

• 1 mechanical hp = 745.6998716 W
• 1 mechanical hp = 0.0000007456998716 GW

Formula:

• GW = hp(mechanical) × 0.0000007456998716

What is the conversion from metric horsepower to gigawatts?

Metric horsepower (often written as PS or cv) is common in Europe.

• 1 metric hp = 735.49875 W
• 1 metric hp = 0.00000073549875 GW

Formula:

• GW = hp(metric) × 0.00000073549875

What is the conversion from electrical horsepower to gigawatts?

Electrical horsepower is used in some electrical contexts.

• 1 electrical hp = 746 W
• 1 electrical hp = 0.000000746 GW

Formula:

• GW = hp(electrical) × 0.000000746

Why are there different types of horsepower?

Horsepower started as a practical way to compare engine output. Over time, different fields adopted their own standard. That’s why you’ll see mechanical hp, metric hp, and electrical hp. The differences are small, but they matter in large conversions.

How many horsepower are in 1 gigawatt?

This depends on the horsepower type.

• 1 GW = 1,000,000,000 W
• Mechanical hp: 1 GW ≈ 1,341,022.09 hp
• Metric hp: 1 GW ≈ 1,359,621.62 hp
• Electrical hp: 1 GW ≈ 1,340,482.57 hp

What are common examples where horsepower-to-gigawatts makes sense?

This conversion helps when you compare large power output to engine ratings. Examples include:

• Total output of many engines working together
• Large industrial motor systems
• Ship propulsion totals
• Grid-scale power and generation capacity

Does horsepower measure input power or output power?

Horsepower can describe either, based on context. Engines are often rated by output at the shaft. Electric motors may list electrical input and mechanical output in different places. Check whether the rating is input, output, or “brake” horsepower.

Is horsepower a unit of energy?

No. Horsepower is power, which means energy per unit time. Energy is measured in units like joules or kilowatt-hours. Power tells you how fast energy is used or produced.

How do I convert hp to GW using watts as a middle step?

Use two steps:

1. Watts = hp × watts-per-hp
2. GW = watts ÷ 1,000,000,000

This method reduces mistakes, especially when the horsepower type is unclear.

What rounding should I use for horsepower to gigawatts?

For most uses, 6 to 9 decimal places in gigawatts is enough. Gigawatts are huge, so values often look very small when you start with horsepower. For large engine totals, fewer decimals may still be fine.

What’s the easiest way to avoid mistakes in horsepower to gigawatts conversion?

Use the right horsepower standard every time. Mechanical hp is common in the US. Metric hp is common in Europe. Electrical hp shows up in some electrical specs. If the spec sheet doesn’t say, look for clues like PS, cv, or “hp (metric)”.