Convert HP - kW

Online calculator and formulas for converting HP and kW

HP - kW Calculator

Convert power units

Converts between Horsepower (HP) and Kilowatt (kW). Kilowatt is the modern SI unit for power, HP is the traditional unit.

kW
HP
Result
Conversion:

Example Calculation

Example: Electric Motor
Problem:

An electric motor has a power of 100 kW. How much HP does this correspond to in the traditional designation?

Given:
  • Motor power = 100 kW
  • Conversion factor: 1 kW = 1.35962 HP
  • Find: Power in HP
Solution:
\[\text{HP} = \text{kW} \times 1.35962\]
\[\text{HP} = 100 \times 1.35962\]
\[\text{HP} = 135.962 \text{ HP}\]
Practical Applications
Electrical engineering: Motors, generators, drive systems
Mechanical engineering: Industrial plants, pumps, compressors
Energy technology: Power plants, solar panels, wind turbines
Conversion Aids
Quick conversion
  • 1 kW ≈ 1.36 HP
  • 1 HP ≈ 0.735 kW
  • 10 kW ≈ 13.6 HP
Typical values
  • Hair dryer: ~2 kW (2.7 HP)
  • Electric car: ~100 kW (136 HP)
  • Wind turbine: ~2000 kW (2720 HP)

Formulas for HP and kW

Kilowatt (kW) is the modern SI unit for power, while Horsepower (HP) is the traditional power unit. Both describe the same physical quantity.

Convert kW to HP

Conversion from kilowatt to horsepower (metric).

\[\displaystyle \text{HP} = \text{kW} \times 1.35962\]
1 kW equals approximately 1.35962 HP
Convert HP to kW

Conversion from horsepower to kilowatt (SI unit).

\[\displaystyle \text{kW} = \text{HP} \times 0.73549875\]
1 HP equals approximately 0.735 kW
Kilowatt (kW)
  • System: International System of Units (SI)
  • Definition: 1 kW = 1000 Watts
  • Usage: Worldwide, modern technology
  • Basis: Joules per second (J/s)
Horsepower (HP)
  • System: Metric system (Germany)
  • Definition: 1 HP = 735.5 Watts
  • Usage: Traditional, automotive industry
  • Basis: Work performance of a horse
Important Notes
  • kW is the modern international standard unit for power
  • HP is mainly used today in the automotive industry
  • 1 kW is about 36% stronger than 1 HP
  • Both units measure the same physical quantity: power

Detailed description of power units

Modern vs. traditional units

With this calculator, Kilowatt (kW) can be converted to Horsepower (HP) or Horsepower to Kilowatt. Kilowatt is the modern SI unit for power, while HP is the traditional unit.

Usage Instructions

To calculate, select whether HP to kW or kW to HP should be calculated and enter the required value, then click the 'Calculate' button.

Application Areas

Electrical Engineering

Electric motors, generators, drive systems, power electronics. Kilowatt is the standard unit here.

Mechanical Engineering

Industrial plants, pumps, compressors, hydraulic systems. Both units are used depending on context.

Energy Technology

Power plants, solar panels, wind turbines, energy supply. Kilowatt and megawatt are the standard units.

Practical Power Comparisons

For better understanding, here are some examples of typical power ratings in both units:

Household

Microwave: 0.8 kW (1.1 HP)
Vacuum cleaner: 1.5 kW (2.0 HP)
Hair dryer: 2.0 kW (2.7 HP)

Vehicles

E-bike motor: 0.25 kW (0.34 HP)
Small car: 50 kW (68 HP)
Truck: 300 kW (408 HP)

Industry

Industrial pump: 10 kW (13.6 HP)
Wind turbine: 2000 kW (2720 HP)
Power plant: 500,000 kW (680,000 HP)

Conclusion: For larger powers, the numbers in kW become clearer, while HP is often more intuitive.


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