Kilowatt is 1000 watt units.
Kilowatts to Metric horsepowers Converter — kW to PS
Convert Kilowatt (kW) to Metric horsepower (PS) using the exact conversion factor (1 kilowatt = 1.359621617 metric horsepower). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Kilowatts to Metric 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.
Metric horsepower.
Result = input x 1000 / 735.49875.
Power uses the watt as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Kilowatts to Metric horsepowers
Kilowatt and Metric 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 Metric horsepower is typically associated with continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets.
Formula
metric horsepowers = kilowatts × 1.3596216173
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 kilowatt equals 1000 base units, and 1 metric horsepower equals 735.49875 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct kilowatt-to-metric horsepower factor of 1.3596216173.
Simple example
1 kW × 1.359621617 = 1.359621617 PS
1 kilowatt = 1.359621617 metric horsepowers.
Real-world example
100 kW × 1.359621617 = 135.9621617 PS
100 kilowatts = 135.9621617 metric horsepowers.
Conversion table
| Kilowatt (kW) | Metric horsepower (PS) |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.359621617 PS |
| 10 kW | 13.59621617 PS |
| 100 kW | 135.9621617 PS |
| 500 kW | 679.8108087 PS |
| 1,000 kW | 1,359.621617 PS |
| 5,000 kW | 6,798.108087 PS |
Reverse conversion: Metric horsepower to Kilowatt
1.359621617 PS × 0.73549875 = 0.9999999998 kW
1.359621617 metric horsepowers = 0.9999999998 kilowatts.
kilowatts = metric horsepowers × 0.73549875
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Metric horsepower to Kilowatt.
Kilowatt vs. Metric horsepower
| Aspect | Kilowatt | Metric horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| Family | SI derived (metric prefix) unit | Non-SI unit (metric, automotive) |
| Typical use | Electric vehicle motor power ratings (alongside horsepower) | European and Japanese vehicle engine power ratings (often shown as PS or CV) |
| Where it's used | Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems | Continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets |
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 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.
Kilowatt — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'kilo-' as the prefix for 10³.
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 kilowatt?
1 kilowatt equals 1.359621617 metric horsepowers, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert kilowatt to metric horsepower?
Multiply the kilowatt value by 1.359621617. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert metric horsepower back to kilowatt?
Use the reverse factor: 1 metric horsepower equals 0.73549875 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 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 kilowatt 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 kilowatt still used today?
Standard power unit worldwide for larger appliances, vehicles, and electrical systems