Quick Answer: Kilowatts to Horsepower
One kilowatt is approximately 1.341 horsepower (1 kW ≈ 1.341 hp).
Conversely, 1 hp ≈ 0.7457 kW.
Formula: hp = kW ÷ 0.745699872
Worked examples
- 1 kW ≈ 1.341 hp
- 5 kW ≈ 6.705 hp
- 10 kW ≈ 13.41 hp
Method and limitations
Mechanical horsepower is defined as 550 ft·lbf/s = 745.699872 W, so hp = kW ÷ 0.745699872 (≈ kW × 1.34102). Metric horsepower (PS, CV, ch) is exactly 735.49875 W, so PS = kW ÷ 0.73549875. Calculations use full-precision constants; answers in this box are rounded for readability (≈ marks a rounded value) and the calculator shows up to 9 significant figures. hp here is mechanical horsepower (745.699872 W). Metric horsepower (PS, CV) is a different unit of 735.49875 W, about 1.4% smaller.
Each factor is exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or a documented conventional value — see the methodology and sources.
Conversion Formula
Mechanical horsepower is defined as 550 ft·lbf/s = 745.699872 W, so hp = kW ÷ 0.745699872 (≈ kW × 1.34102). Metric horsepower (PS, CV, ch) is exactly 735.49875 W, so PS = kW ÷ 0.73549875.
kW is power, kWh is energy
A motor or engine rated in kW tells you how fast it can deliver energy. It does not tell you how much energy is stored or how far a vehicle can travel. For an EV, range depends on usable battery capacity (kWh) and consumption (kWh per 100 km), not motor power.
When comparing vehicles, check whether each figure is mechanical hp or metric PS, and whether it is peak or continuous power. For running costs, the EV charging cost calculator uses consumption and your tariff — it does not need motor power.
Constants and their sources are listed on the methodology page.
Complete Guide to Kilowatts to Horsepower Conversion
What is a kilowatt?
The kilowatt (kW) is 1,000 watts, the SI unit of power. Electric motors and, in the EU, vehicle registration documents state power in kW.
What is a horsepower?
Mechanical horsepower (hp) is 550 foot-pounds-force per second, or 745.699872 W. It is distinct from metric horsepower (PS), defined as 75 kgf·m/s = 735.49875 W.
How the Conversion Works
Divide kW by 0.745699872 for mechanical hp. Divide by 0.73549875 for PS.
Why This Conversion Matters
Power figures are compared across markets that use different units. Naming which horsepower is meant avoids a hidden 1.4% difference.
Scientific Context
Power is a rate. Energy is power × time. A motor's kW rating says nothing about how long it can run; that depends on the energy stored or supplied.
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
Follow these steps to convert kilowatts to horsepower manually:
Start with your value in kilowatts
Example: You want to convert 10 kW
Apply the conversion formula
Use the formula: hp = kW ÷ 0.745699872
Calculate the result
10 kW = 13.4102 hp
Verify your answer
Use our calculator above to double-check your manual calculation.
Quick Mental Math Tip
Multiply kW by 4 and divide by 3 for hp: 150 kW → 200 hp (exact: 201.2). For PS, multiply by 1.36.
Common Conversions
| Kilowatts (kW) | Horsepower (hp) | Horsepower → Kilowatts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.34102 | 1 hp = 0.7457 kW |
| 5 kW | 6.70511 | 5 hp = 3.7285 kW |
| 10 kW | 13.4102 | 10 hp = 7.457 kW |
| 50 kW | 67.0511 | 50 hp = 37.285 kW |
| 75 kW | 100.577 | 75 hp = 55.9275 kW |
| 100 kW | 134.102 | 100 hp = 74.57 kW |
| 150 kW | 201.153 | 150 hp = 111.855 kW |
| 200 kW | 268.204 | 200 hp = 149.14 kW |
| 250 kW | 335.256 | 250 hp = 186.425 kW |
| 350 kW | 469.358 | 350 hp = 260.995 kW |
| 500 kW | 670.511 | 500 hp = 372.85 kW |
When You'll Need This Conversion
Reading vehicle specs
Express an EV or engine power figure given in kW in the horsepower terms of another market.
Motor catalogues
Match an IEC motor rated in kW to equipment specified in hp.
Pro Tips for Accurate Conversions
Keep kW and kWh separate
kW is the motor's power; kWh is the battery's energy. They answer different questions.
Compare the same kind of rating
Peak vs continuous ratings can differ substantially for the same motor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Treating hp and PS as the same unit
They differ by about 1.4%.
hp = W ÷ 745.699872; PS = W ÷ 735.49875.
Inferring range from motor power
Range comes from usable battery energy and consumption, not from kW.
Use kWh and kWh/100 km for range and running cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conversion factors on this page are either exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or conventional values in documented use. Each is listed with its source in our conversion methodology and sources, which cites the BIPM SI Brochure, NIST Special Publication 811 and the relevant IEC or national standards. Results are rounded for display only; calculations use full precision.