Horsepower to Kilowatt Converter
Converts horsepower to kilowatt (hp to kW) and back. The conversion factor is shown below every result.
How to Convert Horsepower to Kilowatt
What Is a Horsepower?
The mechanical horsepower (hp) is defined as exactly 550 foot-pounds-force per second, equal to 745.69987158227022 watts.
What Is a Kilowatt?
A kilowatt (kW), an SI power unit, equals 1,000 watts.
Common Horsepower to Kilowatt Reference Points
Real-world reference values for quick sanity checks.
| Item | Horsepower (hp) | Kilowatt (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| A typical lawn mower engine | 6 hp | 4.47 kW |
| A compact car engine (approx.) | 150 hp | 111.85 kW |
| Reference values are illustrative approximations for common items, not measured specifications. | ||
Horsepower to Kilowatt Conversion Table
| Horsepower (hp) | Kilowatt (kW) |
|---|---|
| 1 hp | 0.7457 kW |
| 5 hp | 3.728499 kW |
| 10 hp | 7.456999 kW |
| 25 hp | 18.642497 kW |
| 50 hp | 37.284994 kW |
| 100 hp | 74.569987 kW |
| 150 hp | 111.854981 kW |
| 200 hp | 149.139974 kW |
| Source: NIST SP 811, Appendix B (1 hp = 745.69987158227022 W exactly) | |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert horsepower to kilowatts?
Multiply the horsepower value by 0.7456998716. For example, 200 hp × 0.7456998716 = 149.14 kW.
Why does my equipment's power rating look different in Europe vs the US?
US equipment is often rated in horsepower, while European equipment is typically rated in kilowatts. The two describe the same physical quantity, so this conversion lets you compare them directly.
Is 1 hp always exactly 745.7 W?
For mechanical horsepower, yes, to the precision shown (745.69987158227022 W exactly). Metric horsepower and electrical horsepower are different, similarly named units with slightly different values, so double-check which one a spec sheet means for precise work.
Related Power Converters
A good measuring tool marked in both hp and kW removes the guesswork at the point of use.