Convert Horsepower to Kilowatts

To convert horsepower (hp) to kilowatts (kW), use a fixed conversion factor. Horsepower is a unit of power, and kilowatts are the metric (SI) unit of power.

• Key conversion: 1 hp = 0.746 kW (because 1 hp = 746 watts and 1 kW = 1,000 watts)
• Formula: kW = hp × 0.746
• Reverse check: hp = kW ÷ 0.746

Quick example:

• 10 hp × 0.746 = 7.46 kW

Tip: If you need a rough estimate, multiply horsepower by 0.75 to get close to kilowatts.

What is the horsepower to kilowatts conversion?

Horsepower (hp) and kilowatts (kW) both measure power. Horsepower is common for engines and motors, while kilowatts are used in electric and metric-based specs. Converting hp to kW helps you compare ratings across labels, manuals, and standards.

How do I convert horsepower to kilowatts?

Use this formula:

• kW = hp × 0.7457 (for mechanical horsepower)

Example:

• 10 hp × 0.7457 = 7.457 kW

Round to the level of detail you need, like two decimals for most specs.

How many kilowatts are in 1 horsepower?

For mechanical horsepower, 1 hp = 0.7457 kW.
That means three-quarters of a kilowatt is close to 1 hp.

Are there different types of horsepower?

Yes. The two common types are:

• Mechanical horsepower (hp): Used often in the US for engines and motors.
• Metric horsepower (PS, cv): Used in many car specs outside the US.

They’re close, but not the same, so the type matters when you need accuracy.

What’s the difference between mechanical horsepower and metric horsepower?

Mechanical horsepower is slightly larger.

• 1 mechanical hp = 0.7457 kW
• 1 metric hp (PS) = 0.7355 kW

If you convert the wrong type, your result can be off by about 1 to 2 percent.

How do I convert metric horsepower (PS) to kilowatts?

Use this formula:

• kW = PS × 0.7355

Example:

• 100 PS × 0.7355 = 73.55 kW

This is common for vehicle specs that use PS or cv.

How do I convert kilowatts to horsepower?

Use one of these, based on horsepower type:

• hp = kW ÷ 0.7457 (mechanical hp)
• PS = kW ÷ 0.7355 (metric hp)

Example (mechanical):

• 15 kW ÷ 0.7457 = 20.11 hp

Why do horsepower and kilowatts give different-looking numbers?

They measure the same thing, but they use different unit sizes. Kilowatts are smaller than horsepower, so the kW number is lower for the same power output. The math keeps them equal in meaning.

Is horsepower the same as torque?

No. Torque is a twisting force. Horsepower is how fast work gets done. They’re linked by engine speed (RPM). A motor can have high torque at low speed and still have modest horsepower.

Does converting hp to kW change the actual power?

No. The power stays the same. Only the unit name and number change. Conversion lets you compare power ratings in a consistent way.

What does kW mean on an electric motor nameplate?

kW is the motor’s rated power output (or sometimes input, based on the label). It’s often used in electric motor and industrial specs. If you also see hp, the values should match after conversion, within rounding and rating rules.

Why might my converted value not match a label exactly?

Small gaps happen for a few reasons:

• Rounding to fewer decimals
• Using metric vs mechanical horsepower
• Rated power vs peak power
• Efficiency and test rules used by the maker

Check the unit type and whether the rating is continuous or peak.

Common horsepower to kilowatts conversions

These are approximate (mechanical hp):

• 1 hp ≈ 0.75 kW
• 5 hp ≈ 3.73 kW
• 10 hp ≈ 7.46 kW
• 20 hp ≈ 14.91 kW
• 50 hp ≈ 37.29 kW
• 100 hp ≈ 74.57 kW

Use more decimals when you need tighter accuracy.