The watt is one joule per second.
Watts to Metric horsepowers Converter — W to PS
Convert Watt (W) to Metric horsepower (PS) using the exact conversion factor (1 watt = 0.0013596216 metric horsepower). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Watts 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 1 / 735.49875.
Power units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Watts to Metric horsepowers
Watt 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. Watt is typically associated with standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide, while Metric horsepower is typically associated with continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets.
Formula
metric horsepowers = watts × 0.0013596216173
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 watt equals 1 base unit, and 1 metric horsepower equals 735.49875 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct watt-to-metric horsepower factor of 0.0013596216173.
Simple example
1 W × 0.001359621617 = 0.0013596216 PS
1 watt = 0.0013596216 metric horsepowers.
Real-world example
100 W × 0.001359621617 = 0.1359621617 PS
100 watts = 0.1359621617 metric horsepowers.
Conversion table
| Watt (W) | Metric horsepower (PS) |
|---|---|
| 1 W | 0.0013596216 PS |
| 10 W | 0.0135962162 PS |
| 50 W | 0.0679810809 PS |
| 100 W | 0.1359621617 PS |
| 500 W | 0.6798108087 PS |
| 1,000 W | 1.359621617 PS |
Reverse conversion: Metric horsepower to Watt
0.0013596216 PS × 735.49875 = 0.9999999873 W
0.0013596216 metric horsepowers = 0.9999999873 watts.
watts = metric horsepowers × 735.49875
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Metric horsepower to Watt.
Watt vs. Metric horsepower
| Aspect | Watt | Metric horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| Family | SI derived unit | Non-SI unit (metric, automotive) |
| Typical use | Electrical appliance power ratings worldwide | European and Japanese vehicle engine power ratings (often shown as PS or CV) |
| Where it's used | Standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide | Continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets |
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.
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.
Watt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Coherent derived units — Defines the watt as the SI unit of power.
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 watt?
1 watt equals 0.0013596216 metric horsepowers, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert watt to metric horsepower?
Multiply the watt value by 0.001359621617. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert metric horsepower back to watt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 metric horsepower equals 735.49875 watts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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.
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 watt 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.
Where is the watt still used today?
Standard scientific and everyday power unit worldwide
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.