kW to HP Converter
Conversion Results:
Mechanical HP (US/UK)
Metric HP (PS/DIN)
Understanding Kilowatts to Horsepower Conversion
Converting kilowatts (kW) to horsepower (HP) is a common requirement in automotive engineering, electrical power generation, and mechanical physics. While the kilowatt is a SI unit (International System of Units) used globally to measure power, horsepower remains a popular legacy unit in the automotive industry across the US, UK, and Europe.
The Difference Between Mechanical and Metric Horsepower
Not all horsepower is created equal. When using a kW to HP converter, it is crucial to understand which standard you are using:
- Mechanical Horsepower (hp): Also known as imperial horsepower, primarily used in the US and UK. 1 kW is approximately equal to 1.341 horsepower.
- Metric Horsepower (ps): Derived from the German word "Pferdestärke." It is widely used in continental Europe and the automotive industry for "PS" ratings. 1 kW is approximately equal to 1.36 metric horsepower.
The Mathematical Formula
To perform the conversion manually, you can use the following constants:
Metric HP (PS) = kW × 1.35962162
Practical Conversion Examples
| Kilowatts (kW) | Mechanical HP | Metric HP (PS) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 kW | 67.05 hp | 67.98 ps |
| 100 kW | 134.10 hp | 135.96 ps |
| 200 kW | 268.20 hp | 271.92 ps |
| 500 kW | 670.51 hp | 679.81 ps |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard unit for car engine power?
In most technical specifications, kW is the official unit. However, marketing materials usually highlight HP (Mechanical) in the US and PS (Metric) in Europe.
Is 1 kW exactly 1.34 hp?
For quick mental math, 1.34 is a great approximation. For engineering accuracy, use 1.34102.