⚡ kW to hp Converter
Convert kilowatts to horsepower, hp to kW, and bulk power ratings.
Use this kW to hp converter to convert kilowatts into mechanical horsepower, metric horsepower (PS/CV/ch), or electrical horsepower. For the common mechanical conversion, 1 kW = 1.341 hp, so horsepower is calculated by multiplying kilowatts by 1.341.
This tool also works in reverse for hp to kW and supports bulk kW values for comparing engine, motor, equipment, or electric-vehicle power ratings.
Convert Kilowatts to Horsepower
Convert Horsepower to Kilowatts
Bulk kW to Horsepower Conversion
kW to hp Conversion Formula
Kilowatts (kW) and horsepower (hp) both measure power. Kilowatts are the SI metric unit commonly used in engineering, electrical systems, and many international vehicle specifications. Horsepower is still common in automotive, industrial, and motor power ratings.
1. Choose the horsepower standard
Use mechanical horsepower for most US/UK automotive and engine comparisons, metric horsepower for PS/CV/ch ratings, and electrical horsepower for some electric motor nameplate calculations.
2. Use the correct conversion factor
For mechanical horsepower, use hp = kW × 1.341. For metric horsepower, use PS = kW × 1.360. For electrical horsepower, use hp(E) = kW × 1.340.
3. Multiply the kW value
Example: 100 kW × 1.341 = 134.1 hp. The same 100 kW is about 136 PS using metric horsepower.
4. Reverse the calculation when needed
To convert mechanical horsepower back to kilowatts, use kW = hp × 0.7457. Example: 100 hp × 0.7457 = 74.57 kW.
| Kilowatts (kW) | Mechanical HP | Metric HP (PS) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 kW | 40.2 hp | 40.8 PS | Small motors, light vehicles |
| 50 kW | 67.1 hp | 68.0 PS | Compact vehicle power ratings |
| 75 kW | 100.6 hp | 102.0 PS | Common motor/engine comparison |
| 100 kW | 134.1 hp | 136.0 PS | Vehicle and equipment specs |
| 150 kW | 201.2 hp | 203.9 PS | Higher-output engines/motors |
| 200 kW | 268.2 hp | 271.9 PS | Performance or industrial ratings |
| 300 kW | 402.3 hp | 407.9 PS | High-power systems |
| 400 kW | 536.4 hp | 543.8 PS | Large engines or motors |
When to Use kW, hp, and PS
Vehicle specifications
Many international vehicle listings use kilowatts, while consumer-facing comparisons may use horsepower. Converting kW to hp helps compare cars, motorcycles, marine engines, and EV motor ratings across different markets.
Electric motors and machinery
Industrial motors and equipment may be listed in kW or hp depending on supplier, region, and nameplate standard. Use the selected horsepower type carefully before comparing values.
Bulk power comparisons
The bulk converter is useful when comparing several motor sizes, engine outputs, equipment ratings, or specification sheets at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 kW equals about 1.341 mechanical hp. It also equals about 1.360 metric hp or 1.340 electrical hp, depending on the horsepower standard.
For mechanical horsepower, multiply kilowatts by 1.341. Formula: hp = kW × 1.341. Example: 100 kW × 1.341 = 134.1 hp.
100 kW equals 134.1 mechanical hp. In metric horsepower, 100 kW is about 136.0 PS.
For mechanical horsepower, multiply hp by 0.7457. Formula: kW = hp × 0.7457. Example: 100 hp × 0.7457 = 74.57 kW.
Mechanical horsepower is about 745.7 watts. Metric horsepower, also called PS, CV, or ch, is about 735.5 watts. Because the standards are different, the same kW value gives a slightly higher number in metric horsepower than in mechanical horsepower.
No. kW and hp both measure power, but they use different scales. 1 kW is about 1.341 mechanical hp, and 1 mechanical hp is about 0.7457 kW.
Yes. For many motor comparisons, kW is the preferred unit. If you need electrical horsepower, choose Electrical HP (hp(E)) in the calculator.
