Kilowatt to Pferdestarke Converter

Convert between kilowatts (kW) and pferdestarke (PS) for engine power calculations in automotive, engineering, and mechanical applications.

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Kilowatt to Pferdestarke Conversion:

1 Kilowatt (kW) ≈ 1.3596 Pferdestarke (PS)

PS = kW × 1.3596216173 | kW = PS × 0.73549875 (e.g., 100 kW ≈ 135.96 PS; 150 PS ≈ 110.32 kW)

kW

Power measurement (e.g., engine output, motor power)

PS

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About Kilowatts (kW) and Pferdestarke (PS)

Understanding these power units used in automotive engineering, machinery, and energy applications.

kW vs PS Comparison

Unit Definition Conversion Common Uses
Kilowatt (kW) SI unit of power: 1 kW = 1000 watts = 1000 J/s 1 kW ≈ 1.3596 PS
1 kW ≈ 1.3410 hp (imperial)
Global standard for engine power, electric motors, power generation
Pferdestarke (PS) Metric horsepower: 1 PS ≈ power to lift 75 kg at 1 m/s 1 PS ≈ 0.7355 kW
1 PS ≈ 0.9863 hp (imperial)
Vehicle engine power in Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, Switzerland

*Note: Both units measure power - the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.

Power Relationship

1 kilowatt (kW) SI power unit
1 pferdestarke (PS) Metric horsepower
1 PS ≈ 0.7355 kW

1 pferdestarke is approximately 73.55% of a kilowatt, meaning 1 kW equals about 1.36 PS

The relationship between these power units is defined as:

1 PS = 75 kg·m/s (mechanical definition)

1 kW = 1000 W = 1000 J/s (SI definition)

1 PS ≈ 0.73549875 kW

1 kW ≈ 1.3596216173 PS

This conversion factor comes from the mechanical equivalence between the metric horsepower definition (lifting 75 kg at 1 m/s) and the joule-based definition of the watt.

Common Power Ratings (kW → PS → Applications)

Kilowatts (kW) Pferdestarke (PS) Typical Application
1.1 kW 1.5 PS Small electric motor (household appliances)
7.5 kW 10 PS Lawnmower or small generator
74.6 kW 100 PS Small car engine
110 kW 150 PS Compact family car
220 kW 300 PS Sports car or large SUV
597 kW 812 PS High-performance luxury sports car
1000 kW 1360 PS Racing car or large industrial motor

Kilowatt to Pferdestarke Conversion Table

Common power conversions for automotive and engineering applications (1 kW ≈ 1.3596 PS)

kW → PS

Kilowatts (kW) Pferdestarke (PS)
1 kW 1.36 PS
10 kW 13.60 PS
25 kW 33.99 PS
50 kW 67.98 PS
75 kW 101.97 PS
100 kW 135.96 PS
200 kW 271.92 PS
500 kW 679.81 PS

PS → kW

Pferdestarke (PS) Kilowatts (kW)
1 PS 0.74 kW
10 PS 7.35 kW
25 PS 18.39 kW
50 PS 36.77 kW
75 PS 55.16 kW
100 PS 73.55 kW
200 PS 147.10 kW
500 PS 367.75 kW

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about kilowatt to pferdestarke conversions

What is the difference between PS and kW?

PS (Pferdestarke) and kW (kilowatt) are both units of power, but they have different origins and definitions:

  • Kilowatt (kW): The International System of Units (SI) unit of power, defined as 1000 watts. A watt equals one joule of energy per second.
  • Pferdestarke (PS): A metric unit of power (literally "horse strength" in German) defined as the power needed to lift 75 kilograms at a rate of 1 meter per second.

The conversion factor is approximately 1 kW = 1.3596 PS or 1 PS = 0.7355 kW.

Why is PS still used instead of the metric kW?

Pferdestarke remains in use primarily due to tradition and regional习惯:

  • PS is deeply entrenched in automotive culture in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
  • Many consumers find it easier to relate to familiar PS ratings when comparing vehicle performance
  • Industrial heritage - machinery specifications have historically used PS in certain regions
  • Marketing continuity - manufacturers maintain PS ratings to preserve brand identity and customer familiarity

However, kW is the internationally recognized SI unit and is increasingly used alongside PS in technical specifications, especially for electric vehicles and international markets.

How does PS compare to other horsepower units?

There are several different definitions of "horsepower" used around the world:

1 Pferdestarke (PS) ≈ 0.9863 mechanical horsepower (hp, imperial)

1 mechanical horsepower (hp) ≈ 1.0139 PS

1 PS ≈ 0.7355 kW

1 mechanical horsepower ≈ 0.7457 kW

The key differences:

  • PS is a metric unit, while mechanical horsepower (hp) is an imperial unit
  • PS is slightly smaller than mechanical horsepower (about 1.4% difference)
  • Electrical horsepower is defined differently, equal to exactly 746 watts
  • PS is sometimes called "metric horsepower" in English-speaking countries
In which industries is the kW to PS conversion most important?

This conversion is particularly important in industries where power ratings are critical specifications:

  • Automotive industry: Vehicle manufacturers specify engine power in both units for different markets, with PS common in Europe and kW used globally.
  • Mechanical engineering: Machinery and motor specifications often use both units depending on regional standards.
  • Heavy equipment: Construction vehicles, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment use power ratings in both units.
  • Regulatory compliance: Emissions standards, fuel efficiency regulations, and vehicle taxation often require power ratings in specific units.

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