Metric horsepower.
Metric horsepowers to Kilowatts Converter — PS to kW
Convert Metric horsepower (PS) to Kilowatt (kW) using the exact conversion factor (1 metric horsepower = 0.73549875 kilowatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Metric horsepowers to Kilowatts 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.
Kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Result = input x 735.49875 / 1000.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Metric horsepowers to Kilowatts
Metric horsepower and Kilowatt 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 typically associated with continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets, while Kilowatt is typically associated with standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems.
Formula
kilowatts = metric horsepowers × 0.73549875
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 kilowatt equals 1000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct metric horsepower-to-kilowatt factor of 0.73549875.
Simple example
1 PS × 0.73549875 = 0.73549875 kW
1 metric horsepower = 0.73549875 kilowatts.
Real-world example
100 PS × 0.73549875 = 73.549875 kW
100 metric horsepowers = 73.549875 kilowatts.
Conversion table
| Metric horsepower (PS) | Kilowatt (kW) |
|---|---|
| 1 PS | 0.73549875 kW |
| 10 PS | 7.3549875 kW |
| 50 PS | 36.7749375 kW |
| 100 PS | 73.549875 kW |
| 500 PS | 367.749375 kW |
| 1,000 PS | 735.49875 kW |
Reverse conversion: Kilowatt to Metric horsepower
0.73549875 kW × 1.359621617 = 1 PS
0.73549875 kilowatts = 1 metric horsepower.
metric horsepowers = kilowatts × 1.3596216173
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Kilowatt to Metric horsepower.
Metric horsepower vs. Kilowatt
| Aspect | Metric horsepower | Kilowatt |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Non-SI unit (metric, automotive) | SI derived (metric prefix) unit |
| Typical use | European and Japanese vehicle engine power ratings (often shown as PS or CV) | Electric vehicle motor power ratings (alongside horsepower) |
| Where it's used | Continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets | Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems |
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 Kilowatt
Kilowatt (kW) measures power. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems
Uses of the Kilowatt today
- Electric vehicle motor power ratings (alongside horsepower)
- Household electrical system and generator capacity
- Industrial motor and equipment power ratings
History of the Kilowatt
The kilowatt follows directly from the watt via the standard SI 'kilo-' prefix, becoming especially prominent with the growth of electrical power generation and distribution in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Historical origin. Kilowatt was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Metric horsepower — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Documents the exact watt-equivalence of metric horsepower.
Kilowatt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'kilo-' as the prefix for 10³.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilowatts are in 1 metric horsepower?
1 metric horsepower equals 0.73549875 kilowatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert metric horsepower to kilowatt?
Multiply the metric horsepower value by 0.73549875. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert kilowatt back to metric horsepower?
Use the reverse factor: 1 kilowatt equals 1.359621617 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 kilowatt?
Kilowatt (kW) measures power. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the metric horsepower to kilowatt 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.