Milliwatt is 0.001 watt units.
Milliwatts to Metric horsepowers Converter — mW to PS
Convert Milliwatt (mW) to Metric horsepower (PS) using the exact conversion factor (1 milliwatt = 0.0000013596 metric horsepower). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Milliwatts to Metric horsepowers 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.
Metric horsepower.
Result = input x 0.001 / 735.49875.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Milliwatts to Metric horsepowers
Milliwatt and Metric horsepower 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. Specifically: Milliwatt is 0.001 watt units, and metric horsepower.
Formula
metric horsepowers = milliwatts × 0.0000013596216173
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 milliwatt equals 0.001 base units, and 1 metric horsepower equals 735.49875 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct milliwatt-to-metric horsepower factor of 0.0000013596216173.
Simple example
1 mW × 0.000001359621617 = 0.0000013596 PS
1 milliwatt = 0.0000013596 metric horsepowers.
Real-world example
100 mW × 0.000001359621617 = 0.0001359622 PS
100 milliwatts = 0.0001359622 metric horsepowers.
Conversion table
| Milliwatt (mW) | Metric horsepower (PS) |
|---|---|
| 1 mW | 0.0000013596 PS |
| 10 mW | 0.0000135962 PS |
| 50 mW | 0.0000679811 PS |
| 100 mW | 0.0001359622 PS |
| 500 mW | 0.0006798108 PS |
| 1,000 mW | 0.0013596216 PS |
Reverse conversion: Metric horsepower to Milliwatt
0.0000013596 PS × 735498.75 = 0.9999841005 mW
0.0000013596 metric horsepowers = 0.9999841005 milliwatts.
milliwatts = metric horsepowers × 735498.75
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Metric horsepower to Milliwatt.
Understanding the Milliwatt (mW)
Milliwatt is 0.001 watt units.
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.
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 metric horsepowers are in 1 milliwatt?
1 milliwatt equals 0.0000013596 metric horsepowers, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert milliwatt to metric horsepower?
Multiply the milliwatt value by 0.000001359621617. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert metric horsepower back to milliwatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 metric horsepower equals 735,498.75 milliwatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a milliwatt?
Milliwatt (mW) is a unit of engineering.
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).
Is the milliwatt to metric horsepower 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.
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.