UnitSnapKilowatts to Mechanical Horsepower
1 kW = 1.341022 hp
Electric vehicles, European cars, and industrial motors are typically rated in kilowatts, but many drivers in the United States still think in horsepower. Converting kW to hp makes motor and engine ratings easier to compare with familiar American figures.
When you need to convert kilowatts to mechanical horsepower
- Understanding an electric car motor rating listed in kW
- Comparing a European car spec sheet with US horsepower figures
- Translating industrial motor nameplate ratings for a US audience
- Evaluating e-bike, scooter, or motorcycle power ratings
How to convert kilowatts to mechanical horsepower
hp = kW × 1.341022
Example: 5 kW = 6.70511 hp
Common power ratings in kW
| Kilowatts (kW) | Mechanical Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.341022 hp |
| 7.5 kW | 10.05767 hp |
| 50 kW | 67.0511 hp |
| 75 kW | 100.5767 hp |
| 100 kW | 134.1022 hp |
| 150 kW | 201.1533 hp |
| 200 kW | 268.2044 hp |
| 300 kW | 402.3066 hp |
| 500 kW | 670.511 hp |
Tips for converting kilowatts to mechanical horsepower
- Multiply kW by about 1.34 to get mechanical horsepower; adding one third is a quick estimate within 1%.
- Do not confuse kW of power with kWh of battery energy; an EV spec sheet lists both.
- European spec sheets that show PS or CV use metric horsepower, which gives a slightly higher number than mechanical hp for the same kW.
Kilowatts to Mechanical Horsepower conversion table
| Kilowatts (kW) | Mechanical Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.341022 hp |
| 2 kW | 2.682044 hp |
| 3 kW | 4.023066 hp |
| 4 kW | 5.364088 hp |
| 5 kW | 6.70511 hp |
| 6 kW | 8.046133 hp |
| 7 kW | 9.387155 hp |
| 8 kW | 10.72818 hp |
| 9 kW | 12.0692 hp |
| 10 kW | 13.41022 hp |
| 15 kW | 20.11533 hp |
| 20 kW | 26.82044 hp |
| 25 kW | 33.52555 hp |
| 30 kW | 40.23066 hp |
| 40 kW | 53.64088 hp |
| 50 kW | 67.0511 hp |
| 75 kW | 100.5767 hp |
| 100 kW | 134.1022 hp |
| 250 kW | 335.2555 hp |
| 500 kW | 670.511 hp |
| 1,000 kW | 1,341.022 hp |
About the units
Kilowatts: The kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, used for engine power, electric motors and appliances.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
How many mechanical horsepower are in 1 kilowatt?
1 kilowatt equals 1.341022 mechanical horsepower.
How many kilowatts are in 1 mechanical horsepower?
1 mechanical horsepower equals 0.7456999 kilowatts.
How do I convert kilowatts to mechanical horsepower?
Use the formula hp = kW × 1.341022.
What is 10 kilowatts in mechanical horsepower?
10 kilowatts equals 13.41022 mechanical horsepower.
Related conversions
Factors: NIST SP 811 · SI Brochure · NIST Handbook 44 — Updated