How Many Watts Is 1 Horsepower?
Convert watts, kilowatts, horsepower, BTU/h, and more with our free power converter. Whether you need to compare engine output, understand electricity consumption, or size an air conditioner, accurate power conversion is instant and easy.
How it works
Power measures energy per unit time. 1 mechanical horsepower = 745.7 watts. 1 metric horsepower (PS) = 735.5 watts — the two are close but not identical. Kilowatts are used for electric motors and household appliances.
Quick reference
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts is 1 horsepower?
1 mechanical horsepower (hp) equals 745.7 watts. 1 metric horsepower (PS or CV) equals 735.5 watts. The two are very close but not identical.
How do you convert horsepower to kilowatts?
Multiply horsepower by 0.7457. For example, 100 hp × 0.7457 = 74.57 kW. This is the standard conversion for mechanical horsepower.
What is the difference between mechanical and metric horsepower?
Mechanical horsepower (used in the US) equals 745.7 W. Metric horsepower (PS, used in Europe) equals 735.5 W. A 100 PS European engine is about 98.6 US hp.
How many watts is 1 kilowatt?
1 kilowatt (kW) equals exactly 1,000 watts. Kilowatts are used to rate electric motors, home appliances, and power plants.
What is BTU per hour?
BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) measures heat output. It is used to rate air conditioners and heating systems. 1 BTU/h equals approximately 0.293 watts. A typical 12,000 BTU/h air conditioner equals about 3,517 watts (3.5 kW).
How many watts does a household appliance use?
Common household appliances: kettle 2,000–3,000 W, microwave 600–1,200 W, washing machine 500–2,000 W, refrigerator 100–400 W, LED bulb 6–12 W, laptop 30–70 W, TV 50–200 W. Knowing wattage helps estimate electricity costs: a 1,000 W device running 1 hour uses 1 kWh.
How much power does a car engine produce in watts?
A typical compact car engine produces around 75–100 kW (100–135 HP). A mid-range family sedan 110–150 kW (148–201 HP). Sports cars often produce 250–500 kW (335–670 HP). In comparison, a professional cyclist produces about 250–400 W sustained — roughly 400× less than a car engine.
What is the difference between watts and kilowatts?
1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 watts (W). Watts are used for small appliances and electronics; kilowatts for larger equipment, engines, and electricity billing. Your electricity bill is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh): a 1,000 W (1 kW) device running for 1 hour consumes 1 kWh.
How do horsepower and kilowatts compare?
1 horsepower (HP) = 0.7457 kilowatts. So 100 HP ≈ 74.6 kW and 200 HP ≈ 149 kW. Horsepower is still used for car engines in the US and UK; Europe and most of the world uses kilowatts. A typical family car at 110 kW is about 148 HP.
How much power does a solar panel generate?
A standard residential solar panel produces 300–450 W of peak power. A typical home installation of 10 panels (3.5 kW total) generates roughly 3,500–4,500 kWh per year in central Europe, or 5,000–6,000 kWh in sunnier climates. Average European household consumption is about 3,500–4,500 kWh per year.