Metric horsepower.
Metric horsepowers to Picowatts Converter — PS to pW
Convert Metric horsepower (PS) to Picowatt (pW) using the exact conversion factor (1 metric horsepower = 7.354988e+14 picowatt). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Metric horsepowers to Picowatts converter
Converter
Power Converter
Convert watts, horsepower, refrigeration tons, BTU per hour, and engineering power units.
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
Result = input x 735.49875 / 1e-12.
Power uses the watt as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Metric horsepowers to Picowatts
Metric horsepower and Picowatt 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. Metric horsepower is most often used for european and japanese vehicle engine power ratings (often shown as ps or cv).
Formula
picowatts = metric horsepowers × 7.354988e+14
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 metric horsepower equals 735.49875 base units, and 1 picowatt equals 1e-12 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct metric horsepower-to-picowatt factor of 7.354988e+14.
Simple example
1 PS × 7.354988e+14 = 7.354988e+14 pW
1 metric horsepower = 7.354988e+14 picowatts.
Real-world example
100 PS × 7.354988e+14 = 7.354988e+16 pW
100 metric horsepowers = 7.354988e+16 picowatts.
Conversion table
| Metric horsepower (PS) | Picowatt (pW) |
|---|---|
| 1 PS | 7.354988e+14 pW |
| 10 PS | 7.354987e+15 pW |
| 100 PS | 7.354988e+16 pW |
| 500 PS | 3.677494e+17 pW |
| 1,000 PS | 7.354988e+17 pW |
| 5,000 PS | 3.677494e+18 pW |
Reverse conversion: Picowatt to Metric horsepower
7.354988e+14 pW × 1.359622e-15 = 1.000000068 PS
7.354988e+14 picowatts = 1.000000068 metric horsepowers.
metric horsepowers = picowatts × 1.359622e-15
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Picowatt to Metric horsepower.
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.
Understanding the Picowatt (pW)
Picowatt is 1e-12 watt units.
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 picowatts are in 1 metric horsepower?
1 metric horsepower equals 7.354988e+14 picowatts, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert metric horsepower to picowatt?
Multiply the metric horsepower value by 7.354988e+14. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert picowatt back to metric horsepower?
Use the reverse factor: 1 picowatt equals 1.359622e-15 metric horsepowers. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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).
What is a picowatt?
Picowatt (pW) is a unit of power.
Is the metric horsepower to picowatt 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 metric horsepower still used today?
Continental Europe, Japan, and other metric-system automotive markets