kW to HP Converter
Professional power conversion tool supporting multiple horsepower types for engines, motors, and mechanical systems.
Horsepower type:
Result precision:
Enter power value in kilowatts
Conversion formula: hp(I) = kW × 1.34102209
Quick Power Conversions
Power Conversion Tables
kW to Imperial HP
1 hp(I) = 0.745699872 kW
| kW | ≈ | hp(I) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ≈ | 1.34 hp(I) |
| 10 kW | ≈ | 13.41 hp(I) |
| 100 kW | ≈ | 134.10 hp(I) |
| 500 kW | ≈ | 670.51 hp(I) |
kW to Electrical HP
1 hp(E) = 0.746 kW
| kW | ≈ | hp(E) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ≈ | 1.34 hp(E) |
| 10 kW | ≈ | 13.40 hp(E) |
| 100 kW | ≈ | 134.05 hp(E) |
| 500 kW | ≈ | 670.24 hp(E) |
kW to Metric HP
1 hp(M) = 0.73549875 kW
| kW | ≈ | hp(M) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ≈ | 1.36 hp(M) |
| 10 kW | ≈ | 13.60 hp(M) |
| 100 kW | ≈ | 135.96 hp(M) |
| 500 kW | ≈ | 679.81 hp(M) |
About Power Units
Conversion Formulas
Kilowatts to Imperial HP
hp(I) = kW × 1.34102209
Example: 100 kW × 1.34102209 = 134.10 hp(I)
Kilowatts to Electrical HP
hp(E) = kW × 1.3404825737
Example: 100 kW × 1.3404825737 = 134.05 hp(E)
Kilowatts to Metric HP
hp(M) = kW × 1.3596216173
Example: 100 kW × 1.3596216173 = 135.96 hp(M)
Horsepower Definitions
Imperial/Mechanical HP (hp(I))
Traditional unit defined as 550 foot-pounds per second (≈745.7 watts). Used in automotive and mechanical engineering in the United States and United Kingdom.
Electrical HP (hp(E))
Defined as exactly 746 watts. Used primarily in electrical engineering for electric motor specifications and power conversion calculations.
Metric HP (hp(M) or PS)
Also known as Pferdestärke (PS) in Europe, defined as 75 kilogram-force meters per second (≈735.5 watts). Commonly used in continental Europe for automotive and industrial applications.
Practical Applications of Power Conversion
Automotive Industry
Converting engine power ratings for global markets where different horsepower standards apply.
Industrial Motors
Matching motor specifications across international standards and equipment.
Electrical Engineering
Converting between electrical power (kW) and mechanical output in various horsepower types.
International Trade
Standardizing power specifications for equipment sold in global markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The three main types of horsepower differ slightly in their definitions:
- Imperial/Mechanical (hp(I)): 1 hp = 550 ft·lbf/s ≈ 745.699872 W
- Electrical (hp(E)): Exactly 746 W (simplified for electrical calculations)
- Metric (hp(M) or PS): 1 hp = 75 kgf·m/s ≈ 735.49875 W
These differences arose from historical measurement methods and regional standards, with variations of about 1-2% between them.
The appropriate horsepower type depends on your application and region:
- Imperial hp: Used in the United States and United Kingdom for automotive and mechanical applications
- Electrical hp: Used in electrical engineering for motor specifications and power calculations
- Metric hp (PS): Used in continental Europe and many global automotive specifications
Always check the specific standards for your industry or region. Many manufacturers provide specifications in multiple units for clarity.
Horsepower remains prevalent in automotive applications despite the metric system's adoption for most other measurements:
- Historical tradition and consumer familiarity with the term
- Marketing advantages - larger numbers sound more impressive (e.g., "300 HP" vs "223.7 kW")
- Regional standards that evolved separately (Imperial vs Metric)
- Industry conventions that have developed over more than a century
Most global manufacturers now specify power in both kW and HP to accommodate international markets.
The differences between horsepower types are small but can be significant in technical applications:
- 1 Imperial hp ≈ 1.01387 Metric hp (about 1.4% difference)
- 1 Electrical hp ≈ 1.01390 Metric hp (about 1.4% difference)
- 1 Imperial hp ≈ 1.0004 Metric hp (negligible difference)
For casual use, these differences may be insignificant, but for engineering specifications, technical documentation, and regulatory compliance, using the correct type is crucial.