Nanowatt is 1e-9 watt units.
Nanowatts to Metric horsepowers Converter — nW to PS
Convert Nanowatt (nW) to Metric horsepower (PS) using the exact conversion factor (1 nanowatt = 1.359622e-12 metric horsepower). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Nanowatts 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 1e-9 / 735.49875.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Nanowatts to Metric horsepowers
Nanowatt 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: Nanowatt is 1e-9 watt units, and metric horsepower.
Formula
metric horsepowers = nanowatts × 1.359622e-12
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 nanowatt equals 1e-9 base units, and 1 metric horsepower equals 735.49875 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct nanowatt-to-metric horsepower factor of 1.359622e-12.
Simple example
1 nW × 1.359622e-12 = 1.359622e-12 PS
1 nanowatt = 1.359622e-12 metric horsepowers.
Real-world example
100 nW × 1.359622e-12 = 1.359622e-10 PS
100 nanowatts = 1.359622e-10 metric horsepowers.
Conversion table
| Nanowatt (nW) | Metric horsepower (PS) |
|---|---|
| 1 nW | 1.359622e-12 PS |
| 10 nW | 1.359622e-11 PS |
| 50 nW | 6.798108e-11 PS |
| 100 nW | 1.359622e-10 PS |
| 500 nW | 6.798108e-10 PS |
| 1,000 nW | 1.359622e-9 PS |
Reverse conversion: Metric horsepower to Nanowatt
1.359622e-12 PS × 735498750000 = 1.000000281 nW
1.359622e-12 metric horsepowers = 1.000000281 nanowatts.
nanowatts = metric horsepowers × 735498750000
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Metric horsepower to Nanowatt.
Understanding the Nanowatt (nW)
Nanowatt is 1e-9 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 nanowatt?
1 nanowatt equals 1.359622e-12 metric horsepowers, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert nanowatt to metric horsepower?
Multiply the nanowatt value by 1.359622e-12. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert metric horsepower back to nanowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 metric horsepower equals 735,498,750,000 nanowatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a nanowatt?
Nanowatt (nW) 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 nanowatt 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.