Mechanical horsepower.
Horsepowers to Centiwatts Converter — hp to cW
Convert Horsepower (hp) to Centiwatt (cW) using the exact conversion factor (1 horsepower = 74,569.98716 centiwatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Horsepowers to Centiwatts converter
Converter
Power Converter
Convert watts, horsepower, refrigeration tons, BTU per hour, and engineering power units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Centiwatt is 0.01 watt units.
Result = input x 745.6998716 / 0.01.
Power uses the watt as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Horsepowers to Centiwatts
Horsepower and Centiwatt both describe power output, and the conversion is a routine part of comparing an engine or motor's spec sheet across countries that use different power units. Horsepower is most often used for us and uk vehicle engine power ratings.
Formula
centiwatts = horsepowers × 74569.9871582
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 horsepower equals 745.699871582 base units, and 1 centiwatt equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct horsepower-to-centiwatt factor of 74569.9871582.
Simple example
1 hp × 74569.98716 = 74,569.98716 cW
1 horsepower = 74,569.98716 centiwatts.
Real-world example
100 hp × 74569.98716 = 7,456,998.716 cW
100 horsepowers = 7,456,998.716 centiwatts.
Conversion table
| Horsepower (hp) | Centiwatt (cW) |
|---|---|
| 1 hp | 74,569.98716 cW |
| 10 hp | 745,699.8716 cW |
| 100 hp | 7,456,998.716 cW |
| 500 hp | 37,284,993.58 cW |
| 1,000 hp | 74,569,987.16 cW |
| 5,000 hp | 372,849,935.8 cW |
Reverse conversion: Centiwatt to Horsepower
1 cW × 0.0000134102209 = 0.0000134102 hp
1 centiwatt = 0.0000134102 horsepowers.
horsepowers = centiwatts × 0.000013410220896
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centiwatt to Horsepower.
Understanding the Horsepower
Horsepower (hp) measures power. Mechanical horsepower is defined as exactly 745.6998715822702 watts. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States and United Kingdom (vehicle and engine specifications)
Mechanical horsepower vs. metric horsepower. Mechanical horsepower (745.7 W) and metric horsepower/PS (735.5 W) differ by about 1.4% — a US car spec sheet in 'hp' and a European one in 'PS' are not directly comparable numbers without conversion.
Uses of the Horsepower today
- US and UK vehicle engine power ratings
- Motor and engine specifications in English-speaking markets
History of the Horsepower
James Watt popularized horsepower in the 1780s as a marketing figure, comparing his steam engines' output to the working capacity of a horse (based on his estimate of a horse turning a mill), so buyers could grasp engine capability in familiar terms. The unit stuck long after its origin as a sales tool, eventually being formally defined at exactly 550 foot-pounds per second.
Historical origin. Horsepower was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Centiwatt (cW)
Centiwatt is 0.01 watt units.
Horsepower — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Documents the exact watt-equivalence of mechanical horsepower.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centiwatts are in 1 horsepower?
1 horsepower equals 74,569.98716 centiwatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert horsepower to centiwatt?
Multiply the horsepower value by 74569.98716. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centiwatt back to horsepower?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centiwatt equals 0.0000134102 horsepowers. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a horsepower?
Horsepower (hp) measures power. Mechanical horsepower is defined as exactly 745.6998715822702 watts. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
What is a centiwatt?
Centiwatt (cW) is a unit of power.
Is the horsepower to centiwatt conversion exact?
Yes. Mechanical horsepower is defined as exactly 745.6998715822702 watts. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
What is the difference between mechanical horsepower vs. metric horsepower?
Mechanical horsepower (745.7 W) and metric horsepower/PS (735.5 W) differ by about 1.4% — a US car spec sheet in 'hp' and a European one in 'PS' are not directly comparable numbers without conversion.
Where is the horsepower still used today?
United States and United Kingdom (vehicle and engine specifications)