kW to HP Converter
Convert engine power from kW to HP and vice versa. Best calculator for metric horsepower conversion.
Instantly converts power between kilowatts (kW) and horsepower (HP). The tool on this page uses the metric horsepower conversion by default (commonly used in technical specs and many European/Asian car brochures), and it also supports the reverse (HP → kW). The result is shown with high precision but can be displayed with fewer decimals for readability.
How to use the calculator
- Enter a value in the From box (kilowatts when the direction is kW → HP).
- The result appears immediately in the To box; you can also press Convert.
- Press the arrow Switch button to flip the conversion direction (HP → kW).
How it works
Power is a measure of how quickly work is done. Kilowatt (kW) is the SI-derived unit (1 kW = 1,000 watts). Horsepower is a historical unit that has several definitions (metric, mechanical/imperial, electric).
Converting simply multiplies (or divides) by a constant factor that links the two units. Your calculator multiplies kW by the metric-horsepower factor to produce HP and uses the reciprocal to convert HP back to kW.
Formulas & conversion factors
- Metric horsepower (often shown as hp(M) or “PS”)
- 1 kW = 1.3596216173 metric HP.
- Formula (kW → metric HP):
HP_metric = kW × 1.3596216173.
- Mechanical / imperial / “electric” horsepower (commonly used in the US)
- 1 mechanical HP ≈ 0.745699872 kW → 1 kW ≈ 1.341022 HP.
- Formula (kW → mechanical HP):
HP_mech = kW ÷ 0.745699872(orHP_mech = kW × 1.341022).
- Reverse conversions
- Metric HP → kW:
kW = HP_metric × 0.735499(reciprocal of 1.3596216173).
- Metric HP → kW:
Note: Different websites and industries may prefer one HP definition over another — always check the spec sheet if you need the exact matching unit.
FAQ
Q1. Which HP should I use for cars sold in the US?
A: US car specs historically use mechanical/imperial HP. For EU/Asian car specs you’ll often see metric horsepower. When in doubt, use the number from the manufacturer’s spec sheet.
Q2. Why do converters sometimes show slightly different numbers?
A: Rounding rules and different HP definitions (metric vs mechanical vs electric) cause small differences. Always note the unit standard used.
Q3. Is kW the same as kW-electric or kW-mechanical?
A: kW is the SI unit (watts/1,000). It’s the same unit; differences arise from which horsepower definition you compare it to.
Sources used
(used to verify formulas, differences between HP definitions, and common display practice): UnitConverters, RapidTables, ConvertUnits, InchCalculator, ConvertUnits (chart pages).