UnitSnapMechanical Horsepower to Kilowatts
1 hp = 0.7456999 kW
Engine output in the United States is usually advertised in horsepower, while European registration documents, EV specifications, and technical standards use kilowatts. Converting hp to kW helps buyers, mechanics, and engineers compare engines and motors on a common SI basis.
When you need to convert mechanical horsepower to kilowatts
- Comparing a US car engine rating with an electric motor rated in kW
- Filling in vehicle import or registration paperwork that requires kW
- Sizing a generator or electric motor to replace a gasoline engine
- Reading boat outboard or small engine specifications for metric markets
How to convert mechanical horsepower to kilowatts
kW = hp × 0.7456999
Example: 5 hp = 3.728499 kW
Common engine power ratings
| Mechanical Horsepower (hp) | Kilowatts (kW) |
|---|---|
| 5 hp | 3.728499 kW |
| 25 hp | 18.6425 kW |
| 100 hp | 74.56999 kW |
| 150 hp | 111.855 kW |
| 200 hp | 149.14 kW |
| 300 hp | 223.71 kW |
| 400 hp | 298.2799 kW |
| 500 hp | 372.8499 kW |
| 700 hp | 521.9899 kW |
Tips for converting mechanical horsepower to kilowatts
- One mechanical horsepower is 745.69987 W, so multiply hp by about 0.75 to get kW, accurate within about 1%.
- Metric horsepower (PS or CV) is about 1.4% smaller than mechanical horsepower; this page uses mechanical hp.
- Check whether a figure is engine output or wheel output; drivetrain losses make wheel horsepower lower.
Mechanical Horsepower to Kilowatts conversion table
| Mechanical Horsepower (hp) | Kilowatts (kW) |
|---|---|
| 1 hp | 0.7456999 kW |
| 2 hp | 1.4914 kW |
| 3 hp | 2.2371 kW |
| 4 hp | 2.982799 kW |
| 5 hp | 3.728499 kW |
| 6 hp | 4.474199 kW |
| 7 hp | 5.219899 kW |
| 8 hp | 5.965599 kW |
| 9 hp | 6.711299 kW |
| 10 hp | 7.456999 kW |
| 15 hp | 11.1855 kW |
| 20 hp | 14.914 kW |
| 25 hp | 18.6425 kW |
| 30 hp | 22.371 kW |
| 40 hp | 29.82799 kW |
| 50 hp | 37.28499 kW |
| 75 hp | 55.92749 kW |
| 100 hp | 74.56999 kW |
| 250 hp | 186.425 kW |
| 500 hp | 372.8499 kW |
| 1,000 hp | 745.6999 kW |
About the units
Mechanical Horsepower: Mechanical horsepower is 550 foot-pounds per second, about 745.7 watts. It is used for engine power in the US and UK.
Kilowatts: The kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, used for engine power, electric motors and appliances.
Convert offline on your phone. 36 categories, live currency rates, calculators and history in our free Unit Converter app.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilowatts are in 1 mechanical horsepower?
1 mechanical horsepower equals 0.7456999 kilowatts.
How many mechanical horsepower are in 1 kilowatt?
1 kilowatt equals 1.341022 mechanical horsepower.
How do I convert mechanical horsepower to kilowatts?
Use the formula kW = hp × 0.7456999.
What is 10 mechanical horsepower in kilowatts?
10 mechanical horsepower equals 7.456999 kilowatts.
Related conversions
Factors: NIST SP 811 · SI Brochure · NIST Handbook 44 — Updated