Kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Kilowatts to Horsepowers Converter — kW to hp
Convert Kilowatt (kW) to Horsepower (hp) using the exact conversion factor (1 kilowatt = 1.34102209 horsepower). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Kilowatts to Horsepowers 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.
Mechanical horsepower.
Result = input x 1000 / 745.6998716.
Power uses the watt as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Kilowatts to Horsepowers
Kilowatt and Horsepower 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. Kilowatt is typically associated with standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems, while Horsepower is typically associated with united States and United Kingdom (vehicle and engine specifications).
Formula
horsepowers = kilowatts × 1.3410220896
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 kilowatt equals 1000 base units, and 1 horsepower equals 745.699871582 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct kilowatt-to-horsepower factor of 1.3410220896.
Simple example
1 kW × 1.34102209 = 1.34102209 hp
1 kilowatt = 1.34102209 horsepowers.
Real-world example
100 kW × 1.34102209 = 134.102209 hp
100 kilowatts = 134.102209 horsepowers.
Conversion table
| Kilowatt (kW) | Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.34102209 hp |
| 10 kW | 13.4102209 hp |
| 100 kW | 134.102209 hp |
| 500 kW | 670.5110448 hp |
| 1,000 kW | 1,341.02209 hp |
| 5,000 kW | 6,705.110448 hp |
Reverse conversion: Horsepower to Kilowatt
1.34102209 hp × 0.7456998716 = 1 kW
1.34102209 horsepowers = 1 kilowatts.
kilowatts = horsepowers × 0.745699871582
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Horsepower to Kilowatt.
Kilowatt vs. Horsepower
| Aspect | Kilowatt | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| Family | SI derived (metric prefix) unit | US/imperial customary unit |
| Typical use | Electric vehicle motor power ratings (alongside horsepower) | US and UK vehicle engine power ratings |
| Where it's used | Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems | United States and United Kingdom (vehicle and engine specifications) |
Understanding the Kilowatt
Kilowatt (kW) measures power. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems
Uses of the Kilowatt today
- Electric vehicle motor power ratings (alongside horsepower)
- Household electrical system and generator capacity
- Industrial motor and equipment power ratings
History of the Kilowatt
The kilowatt follows directly from the watt via the standard SI 'kilo-' prefix, becoming especially prominent with the growth of electrical power generation and distribution in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Historical origin. Kilowatt was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
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.
Kilowatt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'kilo-' as the prefix for 10³.
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 horsepowers are in 1 kilowatt?
1 kilowatt equals 1.34102209 horsepowers, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert kilowatt to horsepower?
Multiply the kilowatt value by 1.34102209. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert horsepower back to kilowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 horsepower equals 0.7456998716 kilowatts. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a kilowatt?
Kilowatt (kW) measures power. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
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.
Is the kilowatt to horsepower 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 kilowatt still used today?
Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems