Power Converter
Convert engine power between HP, kW, and PS (metric horsepower) instantly — compare specs across US, European, and JDM markets.
Power Unit Converter
HP ⇄ kW ⇄ PS
How It Works
1 mechanical HP = 0.745699 kW = 1.01387 PS. PS (Pferdestärke) is the metric horsepower used primarily in European and Japanese markets — very close to but not exactly equal to mechanical HP.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your power value in any one field.
- Leave the other two blank.
- Click Convert — all three units appear instantly.
- HP is used in North America; kW in Europe/Australia; PS in Japan and Germany.
- All three measure the same physical quantity — just with different unit scales.
Worked Example
Reference Table
| HP | kW | PS | Typical Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 74.6 | 101.4 | Small city car |
| 150 | 111.9 | 152.1 | Compact car |
| 200 | 149.1 | 202.8 | Performance compact |
| 300 | 223.7 | 304.3 | Sport sedan |
| 400 | 298.3 | 405.4 | Performance car |
| 600 | 447.4 | 608.1 | Supercar |
| 1,000 | 745.7 | 1,013.9 | Hypercar |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 1 HP not exactly equal to 1 PS?
HP (mechanical or British) is defined as 550 ft-lbf/s = 745.699 W. PS (metric HP) is defined as 75 kgf·m/s = 735.499 W. The difference is about 1.4%. At 300 PS, the difference is only 4 HP — negligible for practical purposes.
Which power unit do European car specs use?
European manufacturers typically quote both kW (official EU unit for type approval) and PS for marketing materials. DIN PS has been used in Germany since the 1970s. French manufacturers historically used CV (chevaux-vapeur), which is identical to PS.
What is the difference between brake horsepower (BHP) and mechanical HP?
In modern usage, BHP and HP are used interchangeably — both refer to power measured at the crankshaft with a dynamometer (brake). The term 'brake' distinguishes crank power from 'indicated' power which includes friction losses within the engine.
How does kW compare to the electricity billing kWh?
kW is a unit of power (rate of energy use); kWh is energy (power × time). A 150 kW engine running for 1 hour uses 150 kWh of energy. EV efficiency is quoted as kWh/100km, relating energy consumption to range.
