Convert kilowatt to horsepower (mechanical).

About this conversion

Kilowatts-to-horsepower: multiply by 1.34102 (mechanical HP). Common when reading European or Asian electric motor specs, electric car power output, or industrial machinery in metric units.

Formula

hp = kW × 1.34102

Real-world examples

Reference values

Tips & tricks

• For metric (PS/CV) horsepower instead of mechanical: multiply kW by 1.3596 instead of 1.341.
• European wall chargers for EVs typically deliver 11 kW (≈ 15 HP equivalent), DC fast chargers 50-350 kW.
• A modern wind turbine's rated output of 5 MW = 6700 HP. Compare to a typical car: 100-200 HP.

Origin & history

See HP → kW.

What is a kilowatt?

One kilowatt equals exactly 1,000 watts. Larger motors, EV charging speeds, home solar arrays, and HVAC systems.

What is a horsepower (mechanical)?

One mechanical horsepower equals about 745.7 watts. The "metric horsepower" (PS, CV) is slightly different at 735.5 W. Engine output ratings (cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers), pump ratings, and industrial machinery.

How big is one kW in real terms?

Some everyday comparisons can make the unit easier to picture. 1 kW is an electric kettle; 7 kW is a Level 2 EV charger; and 100 kW is a Tesla Model 3 motor at full output.

How to convert kilowatt to horsepower (mechanical)

To convert a value from kilowatt (kW) to horsepower (mechanical) (hp), apply the conversion factor shown in the formula above. The calculation is the same whether you do it by hand, in a spreadsheet, or with the live converter on this page.

Steps:

1. Take your input value in kW.
2. Apply the formula see formula above.
3. The result is your value in hp.

For repeated calculations, save the formula in a spreadsheet or use the live converter at the top of this page — it handles the math automatically and displays the result as you type.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert kW to hp?

Apply the formula kW → hp shown above, or just type your value into the converter at the top of this page. The result updates instantly.

Which is bigger, kW or hp?

This depends on the conversion ratio in the formula. If the factor multiplied by your value gives a larger number, then hp is the smaller unit (so it takes more of them to express the same quantity). If the result is smaller, then hp is the larger unit.

When would I use kW versus hp?

Both units measure power, so the choice depends on context. Kilowatt is typically used for engines, electrical loads, and HVAC equipment; horsepower (mechanical) similarly. Most professional fields standardize on one or the other based on regional conventions or technical tradition.

How precise is this kW to hp conversion?

The conversion factor shown is the internationally defined exact value (or the best-published approximation if the relationship is irrational, like degrees-to-radians). The live converter on this page uses double-precision floating-point math, accurate to about 15 significant digits — far beyond any practical engineering need.

Is the conversion ratio exact, or an approximation?

Most unit conversions between SI metric units, and between SI and US customary units, have been formally defined as exact values since the 1959 international yard-pound agreement and subsequent SI redefinitions. Exceptions are unit pairs that involve irrational numbers (radians, e.g.) or empirical conversions (like food calories, which depend on temperature). When in doubt, consult the formula at the top of this page.

Related conversions

See also