In 1 horsepower there are 0.000746 megawatts. Meanwhile in 1 megawatts there are 1,341.022089 horsepower. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Megawatts to Horsepower calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
To convert horsepower (hp) to megawatts (MW), multiply the horsepower value by the standard conversion factor.
Example:
Tip: If you want a quick estimate, use 1 hp ≈ 0.000746 MW.
Horsepower (hp) is a unit of power often used for engines and motors. A megawatt (MW) is a metric unit of power used for large systems like generators, plants, and grids. Power measures how fast work gets done or how fast energy gets used.
Convert horsepower to watts, then divide by 1,000,000 to get megawatts. The exact factor depends on the type of horsepower (mechanical, metric, or electrical).
Mechanical horsepower (US) converts like this:
MW = hp × 0.000745699872
This is based on 1 mechanical hp = 745.699872 watts.
Metric horsepower (often written as PS or cv) converts like this:
MW = metric hp × 0.00073549875
This is based on 1 metric hp = 735.49875 watts.
Electrical horsepower is often used in electrical settings and converts like this:
MW = electrical hp × 0.000746
This is based on 1 electrical hp = 746 watts.
“Horsepower” isn’t one single standard worldwide. Different fields and countries used slightly different definitions over time. That’s why conversions change a bit depending on whether you use mechanical hp, metric hp, or electrical hp.
Most car and engine ratings in the US use mechanical horsepower. Many European specs use metric horsepower (PS or cv). Some electric motor nameplates may refer to electrical horsepower. If you’re unsure, check the spec sheet or nameplate.
It depends on the definition:
These are common reverse conversions:
Values may round a bit in tables and tools.
Yes, for rough sizing you can use:
This works well for quick checks, but use exact factors for reports, billing, or compliance.
Using mechanical horsepower (US), these are handy reference points:
The unit conversion does not depend on efficiency. It’s a math conversion between power units. Efficiency matters when you compare input power (like electrical MW in) to output shaft power (like hp out). In that case, you also need the system’s efficiency or losses.
They measure the same thing (power), but use different unit systems. Megawatts and kilowatts are metric units. Horsepower is a non-metric unit. You can convert between them once you know the horsepower type.
Ratings may use different horsepower types, rounding, test methods, or conditions. Some ratings show shaft output, while others show electrical input. Temperature, voltage, altitude, and duty cycle can also change real-world output.
The Calculate Box tool to convert horsepower to megawatts uses the open source script Convert.js to convert units of measurement. To use this tool, simply type a horsepower value in the box and have it instantly converted to megawatts.