What is a power converter?

A power converter is a tool that allows you to translate a measurement of power—the rate at which energy is used or transferred—from one unit to another. It's commonly used to convert between Watts, Kilowatts, and Horsepower.

What is the difference between a Watt and a Kilowatt?

A Kilowatt (kW) is simply one thousand Watts (W). The Watt is the base SI unit of power. Kilowatts are more commonly used to describe the power of larger systems like car engines, electric motors, and household appliances.

How do you convert Kilowatts (kW) to Horsepower (hp)?

To convert Kilowatts to mechanical Horsepower, you multiply the kilowatt value by approximately 1.341. For example, 100 kW is roughly equal to 134.1 hp.

What is the difference between Horsepower (hp) and Metric Horsepower (PS)?

Both are units of power, but they are slightly different. Mechanical Horsepower (hp) is based on the imperial system and is common in the US and UK. Metric Horsepower (PS) is common in Europe and Japan. They are very close in value: 1 hp is approximately 1.014 PS.

Free Power Converter | Convert kW to HP, Watts to Horsepower

Instantly convert between Watts, Kilowatts (kW), Horsepower (hp), and more. Our free Power Converter provides fast, accurate results for any automotive or engineering calculation.

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About the Power Converter

Power is one of the most fundamental concepts in physics and engineering, defining the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. From the output of a car engine to the consumption of a light bulb, power ratings are everywhere. The Power Converter from TechnoCodex is a precision tool designed to help you navigate these measurements with ease. It provides a fast, accurate, and user-friendly way to convert between all the major units of power, including Watts, Kilowatts, and Horsepower.

This power conversion calculator is an indispensable resource for engineers, automotive enthusiasts, mechanics, students, and anyone working with mechanical or electrical systems. The ability to quickly convert kW to hp or Watts to Horsepower is crucial for comparing specifications, performing calculations, and understanding how different systems relate to one another. Our tool eliminates the need for manual formulas and memorized conversion factors, ensuring you get reliable results instantly.

How to Use the Power Converter

Our tool is designed for maximum simplicity and efficiency. Follow these three steps to perform a conversion:

Enter Your Value: Type the power measurement you want to convert into the “Amount” field.
Select Your Units: Choose your starting unit from the “From” dropdown menu (e.g., Kilowatts) and your target unit from the “To” dropdown menu (e.g., Horsepower).
Click “Convert”: The accurate converted value will immediately appear in the result box. Use the “Reset” button to clear the fields for a new power calculation.

Understanding the Units of Power

A clear understanding of the different units makes this tool even more useful:

Watt (W), Kilowatt (kW), Megawatt (MW): The Watt is the standard SI unit of power, named after the Scottish engineer James Watt. It is the most common unit for measuring electrical power. One Watt is equal to one joule of energy per second. Due to its small size, power is often expressed in Kilowatts (1,000 Watts) for things like engine power and household energy use, or Megawatts (1,000,000 Watts) for the output of power plants.
Horsepower (hp): Horsepower is the original unit of power, first conceived by James Watt to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. It remains the most common unit for rating the power of car and boat engines in the United States and the UK. The ability to convert horsepower to kW is essential for comparing vehicles from different markets.
Metric Horsepower (PS): The Pferdestärke (PS) is the German term for horsepower and is the standard metric equivalent. It is widely used in Europe, South America, and Japan. It is very close in value to mechanical horsepower but is based on metric units. 1 PS is the power needed to lift 75 kilograms by one meter in one second. Our tool can easily convert between hp and PS for precise comparisons.

Common Use Cases

Automotive: The most common use is comparing engine specifications. Car buyers and enthusiasts can easily convert kW to hp to understand the power of European cars in terms familiar to the US market, and vice versa.
Engineering: Mechanical and electrical engineers use this tool to convert the power ratings of motors, generators, and turbines between different systems of measurement.
Renewable Energy: Calculate the output of a solar panel system in Kilowatts and convert it to Horsepower to better visualize its capability.
Appliance Shopping: Understand the power consumption of household appliances by converting from Watts to Kilowatts.
Education: An essential resource for physics and engineering students to practice conversions and understand the relationship between different power units.

By providing a reliable and accessible platform, the TechnoCodex Power Converter is the go-to resource for anyone who needs to work confidently with units of power.