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Convert Kilowatts to Horsepower - Power Converter

This converter translates power expressed in kilowatts (kW) into horsepower (hp). Kilowatts are the SI-derived unit for power, commonly used in engineering and regulation; horsepower remains widely used in automotive and machinery specifications.

There are multiple definitions of horsepower in common use (mechanical/imperial, metric/‘PS’, and electrical). This tool uses mechanical (imperial) horsepower as the default conversion basis. See methodology and examples below for alternative definitions and guidance on accuracy, rounding, and regulatory considerations.

Updated Nov 12, 2025

Interactive Converter

Convert between kilowatt and horsepower with precision rounding.

Quick reference table

KilowattHorsepower
1 kW1.341 hp
5 kW6.705 hp
10 kW13.41 hp
25 kW33.526 hp
50 kW67.051 hp
100 kW134.102 hp

Methodology

Conversion is a fixed mathematical relationship that maps kilowatts (1 kW = 1000 watts) to a chosen horsepower definition expressed in watts. The converter applies the defined watt-per-horsepower constant to perform a direct unit conversion without estimation or empirical measurement.

Default choice: mechanical (imperial) horsepower where 1 hp = 745.699872 watts. Alternative commonly used definitions are metric horsepower (1 PS = 735.49875 W) and electrical horsepower (commonly quoted as 746 W). Use the appropriate definition for your domain or regulatory requirement.

Worked examples

100 kW → mechanical hp: (100 × 1000) / 745.699872 = 134.102209 hp (rounded to 6 decimal places)

50 kW → metric hp (PS): (50 × 1000) / 735.49875 = 67.981081 hp (PS)

1 kW → electrical hp: (1 × 1000) / 746 = 1.341005 hp (electrical convention)

Key takeaways

This converter performs exact arithmetic unit conversion from kilowatts to horsepower using a chosen watt-per-horsepower constant. Default is mechanical (imperial) horsepower = 745.699872 W.

Confirm which horsepower definition applies to your context, account for measurement uncertainty when converting empirical measurements, and follow relevant standards and regulations when publishing or labeling results.

Expert Q&A

Which horsepower definition does this converter use by default?

The default is mechanical (imperial) horsepower where 1 hp = 745.699872 W. The page_content includes formulas for metric horsepower (PS) and the common electrical horsepower convention (746 W). Choose the definition that matches your industry standard or regulation.

How accurate is the conversion?

The conversion uses exact constants as defined by standards organizations for watt and published horsepower definitions. Numerical rounding is application-dependent; report results to a precision that matches measurement uncertainty. For regulatory or lab work follow institutional precision rules (for example, significant digits from measurement devices or reporting standards).

If I measured power on a dynamometer, can I rely on this conversion for published horsepower?

Dynamometer readings are empirical and carry measurement uncertainty. Use this unit conversion to translate average power units, but account for instrument calibration, repeatability, and test standards (dynamometer test procedures and ambient condition corrections). When publishing official ratings, follow the applicable testing standard (industry or regional certification body).

Are there regulatory requirements about which unit to display?

Regulatory and labeling requirements differ by jurisdiction. Many countries require SI units (watts/kW) for official documentation; others still permit or require horsepower in consumer labeling. Refer to national and regional regulations for marking and reporting requirements.

Why do different sources show slightly different conversion factors?

Differences come from which horsepower definition is used and rounding conventions. Mechanical, metric (PS), and electrical horsepower are based on slightly different watt values. Always confirm which hp variant is intended before comparing numbers from different sources.

Sources & citations