How many kilowatts is 1 horsepower?

One mechanical (imperial) horsepower equals approximately 0.7457 kilowatts. One metric horsepower (PS) equals approximately 0.7355 kilowatts.

How do I convert HP to kW?

Multiply the horsepower value by 0.7457 for mechanical HP, or by 0.7355 for metric HP (PS). For example, 200 mechanical HP × 0.7457 = 149.1 kW.

Why do some countries use kW for vehicle power?

Kilowatts are the SI standard unit of power. The European Union and many other regions require vehicle power to be listed in kW (often alongside PS/HP). As electric vehicles become more common, kW is becoming the global standard for expressing motor power.

How to Convert Horsepower to Kilowatts - Formula & Examples

The Horsepower to Kilowatts Formula

kW = Mechanical HP × 0.745700

kW = Metric HP (PS) × 0.735499

The mechanical horsepower was defined by James Watt as 550 foot-pounds per second. Converting this to SI units gives 745.7 watts. Metric horsepower (Pferdestärke/PS) was defined as 75 kilogram-force meters per second, yielding 735.5 watts.

Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1: A 300 HP Sedan

Calculation: 300 × 0.7457 = 223.7 kW.
Result: 300 HP = approximately 224 kW.

Example 2: A 500 PS European Sports Car

Calculation: 500 × 0.7355 = 367.7 kW.
Result: 500 PS = approximately 368 kW (or about 493 mechanical HP).

Example 3: A 5 HP Outboard Motor

Calculation: 5 × 0.7457 = 3.73 kW.
Result: 5 HP = 3.73 kW.

Vehicle Power Reference Table

Mech. HP	Kilowatts	Metric HP (PS)	Typical Vehicle
100	74.6	101	Compact car
150	111.9	152	Midsize sedan
200	149.1	203	Family SUV
300	223.7	304	Performance sedan
400	298.3	406	Sports car
500	372.8	507	High-performance
700	522.0	710	Supercar
1,000	745.7	1,014	Hypercar

Real-World Applications

Comparing Vehicle Specifications

European car specs list power in kW and PS, while American listings use HP. When comparing a BMW listing 190 kW with a Ford listing 268 HP, converting to the same unit reveals they are nearly identical (190 kW = 255 HP).

Electric Vehicle Shopping

Electric vehicles universally use kW for motor power. Converting to HP helps traditional car buyers understand the performance level. A Tesla Model 3 with a 208 kW motor produces about 279 HP.

Industrial Motor Selection

Industrial motors are sold with ratings in both HP (Americas) and kW (international). Accurate conversion ensures you select a motor with the right power output for your application.

Quick Tip

For a fast estimate, multiply HP by 0.75 (or take three-quarters). This is within 0.6% of the exact value. So 400 HP ≈ 300 kW (exact: 298.3 kW). Use our power converter for precise calculations.