Metric horsepower.
Metric horsepowers to Hectowatts Converter — PS to hW
Convert Metric horsepower (PS) to Hectowatt (hW) using the exact conversion factor (1 metric horsepower = 7.3549875 hectowatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Metric horsepowers to Hectowatts converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Hectowatt is 100 watt units.
Result = input x 735.49875 / 100.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Metric horsepowers to Hectowatts
Metric horsepower and Hectowatt both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. Metric horsepower is most often used for european and japanese vehicle engine power ratings (often shown as ps or cv).
Formula
hectowatts = metric horsepowers × 7.3549875
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 metric horsepower equals 735.49875 base units, and 1 hectowatt equals 100 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct metric horsepower-to-hectowatt factor of 7.3549875.
Simple example
1 PS × 7.3549875 = 7.3549875 hW
1 metric horsepower = 7.3549875 hectowatts.
Real-world example
100 PS × 7.3549875 = 735.49875 hW
100 metric horsepowers = 735.49875 hectowatts.
Conversion table
| Metric horsepower (PS) | Hectowatt (hW) |
|---|---|
| 1 PS | 7.3549875 hW |
| 10 PS | 73.549875 hW |
| 50 PS | 367.749375 hW |
| 100 PS | 735.49875 hW |
| 500 PS | 3,677.49375 hW |
| 1,000 PS | 7,354.9875 hW |
Reverse conversion: Hectowatt to Metric horsepower
7.3549875 hW × 0.1359621617 = 1 PS
7.3549875 hectowatts = 1 metric horsepower.
metric horsepowers = hectowatts × 0.13596216173
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Hectowatt to Metric horsepower.
Understanding the Metric horsepower
Metric horsepower (PS) measures power. Metric horsepower (PS/CV) is defined as exactly 735.49875 watts, the power to raise 75 kilograms one meter per second. It is classified as a Non-SI unit (metric, automotive).
Where it's used: Continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets
Uses of the Metric horsepower today
- European and Japanese vehicle engine power ratings (often shown as PS or CV)
- Motor and machinery power specifications in metric countries
History of the Metric horsepower
Metric horsepower emerged in continental Europe in the 19th century as engineers sought a metric-system analog to Watt's English horsepower, defining it via a round figure (75 kgf·m/s) convenient in metric calculations. It remains the standard automotive power unit across much of Europe and Asia, labeled PS (German 'Pferdestärke') or CV (French/Italian 'cheval-vapeur').
Historical origin. Metric horsepower was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Hectowatt (hW)
Hectowatt is 100 watt units.
Metric horsepower — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Documents the exact watt-equivalence of metric horsepower.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many hectowatts are in 1 metric horsepower?
1 metric horsepower equals 7.3549875 hectowatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert metric horsepower to hectowatt?
Multiply the metric horsepower value by 7.3549875. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert hectowatt back to metric horsepower?
Use the reverse factor: 1 hectowatt equals 0.1359621617 metric horsepowers. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a metric horsepower?
Metric horsepower (PS) measures power. Metric horsepower (PS/CV) is defined as exactly 735.49875 watts, the power to raise 75 kilograms one meter per second. It is classified as a Non-SI unit (metric, automotive).
What is a hectowatt?
Hectowatt (hW) is a unit of engineering.
Is the metric horsepower to hectowatt conversion exact?
Yes. Metric horsepower (PS/CV) is defined as exactly 735.49875 watts, the power to raise 75 kilograms one meter per second. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
Where is the metric horsepower still used today?
Continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets
Why do engineering unit conventions vary so much by region and industry?
Pressure, force, and stress can be expressed in metric (pascal, newton), US customary (psi, pound-force), or older and industry-specific units (atmosphere, torr, kip) depending on the country, industry, and even the equipment manufacturer, which is why engineers routinely need to convert between them when working across specs from different sources.