KW - HP Calculator
Convert between Kilowatt (kW) and Horsepower (HP). Calculate power values for automotive, electrical devices and industrial machinery.
kW → HP
HP → kW
About KW - HP Conversion
Conversion between Kilowatt (kW) and Horsepower (HP) is important due to the use of power units in different systems. Kilowatt is the power unit of the metric system, while horsepower is the power unit of the Imperial measurement system.
Conversion Formulas
- KW to HP: HP = kW × 1.341
- HP to KW: kW = HP × 0.7457
Basic Conversion Values
- 1 kW = 1.341 HP
- 1 HP = 0.7457 kW
- 10 kW = 13.41 HP
- 100 kW = 134.1 HP
- 50 HP = 37.285 kW
- 100 HP = 74.57 kW
Different Types of Horsepower
There are several types of horsepower measurements:
- Mechanical Horsepower (hp): 1 hp = 0.7457 kW (most common)
- Metric Horsepower (PS): 1 PS = 0.7355 kW (used in Europe)
- Electrical Horsepower: 1 hp = 0.746 kW (for electric motors)
- Boiler Horsepower: 1 bhp = 9.8095 kW (steam generators)
Usage Areas
KW-HP conversion is used in many areas:
- Automotive Industry: Engine power comparisons and specifications
- Electric Devices: Motor power ratings and energy consumption
- Industrial Machinery: Equipment capacity determination
- Generators: Power generation capacity calculations
- Pumps and Fans: Work capacity and efficiency calculations
- HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling system sizing
- Marine Applications: Ship and boat engine specifications
- Aviation: Aircraft engine power ratings
History and Standards
The horsepower unit was developed by James Watt in the 18th century to compare the power of steam engines with horses. Kilowatt is a metric system power unit equal to 1000 watts.
Regional Preferences
Different regions prefer different power units:
- Europe: Generally uses kW and metric horsepower (PS)
- United States: Primarily uses mechanical horsepower (hp)
- Asia: Mixed usage, often both kW and HP
- Engineering: Increasingly standardizing on kW (SI unit)
Power Measurement Applications
- Vehicle Testing: Dynamometer measurements for engine performance
- Energy Efficiency: Comparing power consumption of different devices
- Engineering Design: Sizing motors and power systems
- Specifications: Technical documentation and product labeling
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting power-related standards and regulations
Practical Examples
Common power ratings and their conversions:
- Small Car Engine: 100 HP ≈ 75 kW
- Sports Car Engine: 300 HP ≈ 224 kW
- Industrial Motor: 50 kW ≈ 67 HP
- Home Generator: 10 kW ≈ 13.4 HP
- Motorcycle Engine: 50 HP ≈ 37 kW
Our calculation tools perform these conversions quickly and accurately, making your engineering calculations easier. Whether you're working with automotive specifications, industrial equipment, or power generation systems, you can easily convert between kW and HP using the tools above.