How to convert kilowatts to horsepower
To convert a measurement in kilowatts to horsepower, multiply the value by 1.341022. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the watt.
For example, to convert 5 kW to horsepower: 5 × 1.341022 = 6.70511 hp.
What is a kilowatt?
A kilowatt equals 1,000 watts and is the standard unit for the power of motors, heaters, and electric vehicles. As electrical machinery grew more powerful, the kilowatt became the practical unit for rating engines and appliances, and it is now the metric counterpart to horsepower in automotive specifications.
Common uses of kilowatts include: Electric vehicle motor power; Home appliance and heater ratings; Car engine output (metric); Solar array and generator capacity.
What is a horsepower?
Mechanical horsepower (hp) is a unit of power equal to about 745.7 watts, originally defined to compare engine output to the work of draft horses. James Watt coined horsepower in the 1780s to market his steam engines against the horses they replaced. Mechanical horsepower remains the dominant unit for engine power in the United States.
Common uses of horsepower include: Car and motorcycle engine ratings (US); Lawn mowers and power tools; Marine and outboard motors; Comparing engine performance.
When you need to convert kilowatts to horsepower
Car shoppers and EV owners meet this conversion whenever they compare specs. Electric vehicles list motor power in kilowatts while traditional engines are quoted in horsepower, so translating a 150 kW motor to about 201 hp lets you compare an EV directly against a gasoline car.
Kilowatts to horsepower worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 kW = 1.341022 hp 5 kW = 6.70511 hp 10 kW = 13.410221 hp 50 kW = 67.051104 hp 100 kW = 134.102209 hp
Frequently asked questions
How many horsepower are in one kilowatt?
One kilowatt (kW) equals 1.341022 horsepower (hp). Multiply any value in kilowatts by 1.341022 to convert to horsepower.
How do I convert kilowatts to horsepower?
Multiply the value in kilowatts by 1.341022. For example, 5 kW × 1.341022 = 6.70511 hp.
How do I convert horsepower to kilowatts?
Multiply the value in horsepower by 0.745699871582, or divide by 1.341022. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the kilowatt to horsepower conversion exact?
Mechanical horsepower is defined as exactly 745.7 W and metric horsepower as 735.49875 W. SI conversions are exact.
What is the formula for kilowatts to horsepower?
The formula is: hp = kW × 1.341022. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the watt.