Metric horsepower.
Metric horsepowers to Watts Converter — PS to W
Convert Metric horsepower (PS) to Watt (W) using the exact conversion factor (1 metric horsepower = 735.49875 watt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Metric horsepowers to Watts 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.
The watt is one joule per second.
Result = input x 735.49875 / 1.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Metric horsepowers to Watts
Metric horsepower and Watt 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 Watt is typically associated with standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide.
Formula
watts = metric horsepowers × 735.49875
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 watt equals 1 base unit, so dividing one by the other gives the direct metric horsepower-to-watt factor of 735.49875.
Simple example
1 PS × 735.49875 = 735.49875 W
1 metric horsepower = 735.49875 watts.
Real-world example
100 PS × 735.49875 = 73,549.875 W
100 metric horsepowers = 73,549.875 watts.
Conversion table
| Metric horsepower (PS) | Watt (W) |
|---|---|
| 1 PS | 735.49875 W |
| 10 PS | 7,354.9875 W |
| 50 PS | 36,774.9375 W |
| 100 PS | 73,549.875 W |
| 500 PS | 367,749.375 W |
| 1,000 PS | 735,498.75 W |
Reverse conversion: Watt to Metric horsepower
735.49875 W × 0.001359621617 = 1 PS
735.49875 watts = 1 metric horsepower.
metric horsepowers = watts × 0.0013596216173
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Watt to Metric horsepower.
Metric horsepower vs. Watt
| Aspect | Metric horsepower | Watt |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Non-SI unit (metric, automotive) | SI derived unit |
| Typical use | European and Japanese vehicle engine power ratings (often shown as PS or CV) | Electrical appliance power ratings worldwide |
| Where it's used | Continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets | Standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide |
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 Watt
Watt (W) measures power. The watt is the SI derived unit of power: one joule of energy per second. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Where it's used: Standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide
Uses of the Watt today
- Electrical appliance power ratings worldwide
- Light bulb brightness-equivalent labeling
- Engine and motor power specifications (alongside horsepower)
History of the Watt
The watt is named after James Watt, whose improvements to the steam engine in the late 18th century were commercially pivotal; ironically, Watt himself used horsepower (a unit he helped popularize) to market his engines. The watt was formally adopted as a unit at the 1889 General Conference on Weights and Measures and became the SI derived unit of power in the 20th century.
Historical origin. Watt 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.
Watt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the watt as the SI unit of power.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts are in 1 metric horsepower?
1 metric horsepower equals 735.49875 watts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert metric horsepower to watt?
Multiply the metric horsepower value by 735.49875. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert watt back to metric horsepower?
Use the reverse factor: 1 watt equals 0.0013596216 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 watt?
Watt (W) measures power. The watt is the SI derived unit of power: one joule of energy per second. It is classified as a SI derived unit.
Is the metric horsepower to watt 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.