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Kilowatts to Horsepower (kW to HP) Calculator

Convert between Kilowatts (kW) and Horsepower (HP) using mechanical and metric horsepower standards.

1. Enter your numbers  →  2. Check the answer  →  3. Read the steps before you trust it

kW

Power Conversion Output

Calculated Horsepower
13.4102 HP

Standard: Mechanical / Imperial HP (550 ft·lbf/s)

Watts (W)
10,000 W

Step-by-Step Engineering Calculation

  1. 1Conversion factor: 1 Mechanical HP=745.70 W1\text{ Mechanical HP} = 745.70\text{ W}
  2. 2Watts Conversion: 10 kW×1000=10000 W10\text{ kW} \times 1000 = 10000\text{ W}
  3. 3Calculated HP: 10000 W745.70 W/HP=13.4102 HP\frac{10000\text{ W}}{745.70\text{ W/HP}} = \mathbf{13.4102\text{ HP}}

Formula & Theory

1 Mechanical HP = 745.699872 W | 1 Metric HP (PS) = 735.49875 W

Precision conversion between electrical kilowatt power and mechanical shaft output horsepower.

Variable Definitions
kW:
Kilowatts (kW) – Power in metric kilowatts
HP:
Horsepower (HP) – Mechanical output horsepower (550 ft·lbf/s)

Worked Engineering Example

15 HP Electric Motor

Converting a 15 HP industrial motor nameplate to electrical kW output.

Inputs:
  • Horsepower: 15 HP
  • Standard: Mechanical (Imperial)
Result: Power = 11.1855 kW

Key Assumptions

  • •Mechanical horsepower standard (745.7 W/HP) unless Metric PS is selected.

Limitations & Safety Scope

  • •Motor electrical input kW is higher than shaft output kW due to motor efficiency (typically 85-95%).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 1 HP equal to 746 Watts?

One imperial horsepower was defined by James Watt as 550 foot-pounds per second, which converts precisely to 745.699872 Watts in the SI system.

Related Calculators & Engineering Tools

Power Calculator
Current Calculator
kW to HP Converter
HP to kW Converter

Educational & Reference Notice: This calculator provides technical estimates based on standard physical formulas. Actual electrical installation, protective device sizing, and conductor selection must be verified against the applicable electrical code (NEC, IEC, CEC) by a licensed electrician or qualified professional engineer.