Convert hp to kW

1 hp = 0.7457 kW: the formula

To convert hp to kW, multiply by 0.7457: kW = hp × 0.745699872. This is mechanical horsepower, defined as 550 foot-pounds per second, or 745.7 watts. Example: a 300 hp V6 delivers 300 × 0.7457 = 223.71 kW.

The converter above opens on 100 hp to kW, which is 74.57 kW. The "From" and "To" lists keep horsepower (hp) apart from metric horsepower (PS), the slightly smaller unit used in European brochures. The "In every unit" table shows both, along with watts and BTU per hour, and ⇄ "Swap units" turns it into kW to hp.

Horsepower to kW chart

Where horsepower meets kilowatts

Electric cars

EV makers often quote motor output in kW first. A 250 kW dual-motor car is 335.26 hp, so it sits with V8 gas cars on paper.

Electric motors and generators

US motor nameplates use hp; the rest of the world uses kW. A 1 hp pool pump motor draws more than 746 W from the outlet, because the rating is shaft output and the motor loses some energy as heat.

European spec sheets

German and Italian brochures list PS or CV, metric horsepower. A car sold as 150 PS makes 110.32 kW, which is 147.94 hp, not 150.

Mental math

Take three quarters: 200 hp × 3 ÷ 4 = 150 kW, against 149.14 exactly. The shortcut reads only 0.6% high.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between hp and PS?

Mechanical horsepower (hp) is 745.7 W. Metric horsepower (PS, CV or ch) is 735.5 W, so 1 hp = 1.0139 PS. The gap is small, 14 units on a 1,000 hp hypercar, but enough to trip up spec comparisons.

Is bhp the same as hp?

Yes, as a unit. Brake horsepower is horsepower measured at the crankshaft, before losses in the gearbox and drivetrain. Wheel horsepower, measured on a dyno, is lower.

How many kW is 100 hp?

74.57 kW. The other way round, 100 kW is 134.10 hp.