How to use it
- Type a value in kilowatts, horsepower or PS.
- Read the other two units instantly.
- Check the table of common horsepower ratings.
Formulas
| Conversion | Formula |
|---|---|
| kW to hp | hp = kW ÷ 0.7457 (or kW × 1.341) |
| hp to kW | kW = hp × 0.7457 |
| kW to PS | PS = kW ÷ 0.73549875 (or kW × 1.3596) |
| PS to kW | kW = PS × 0.73549875 |
| hp to PS | PS = hp × 1.0139 |
Worked example: a car rated 150 kW has 150 ÷ 0.7457 ≈ 201 hp, or 150 × 1.3596 ≈ 204 PS.
hp, bhp, PS: what's the difference?
- hp (mechanical horsepower): the US and UK unit, defined as 550 foot-pounds per second, which is 745.7 watts. Car makers in the US quote engine output in hp.
- bhp (brake horsepower): horsepower measured at the engine's crankshaft, before losses in the transmission. Numerically it's the same unit as hp.
- PS (metric horsepower, Pferdestärke; CV in French, Italian and Spanish): 735.5 watts, about 1.4% less than a mechanical horsepower. European brochures often list PS, so a "300 PS" car has about 296 hp.
- kW (kilowatt): the SI unit, used in European registration documents, and for electric motors and EVs worldwide.
Wheel horsepower (whp), measured on a chassis dyno, is lower than bhp because of drivetrain losses.
Common horsepower ratings
| hp | kW | PS |
|---|---|---|
| 100 hp | 74.6 kW | 101.4 PS |
| 150 hp | 111.9 kW | 152.1 PS |
| 200 hp | 149.1 kW | 202.8 PS |
| 300 hp | 223.7 kW | 304.2 PS |
| 400 hp | 298.3 kW | 405.6 PS |
| 500 hp | 372.9 kW | 506.9 PS |
The tool shows a longer table up to 800 hp.
Converting in your head
For quick estimates:
- kW to hp: add a third. 90 kW + 30 = about 120 hp (exact: 120.7 hp).
- hp to kW: subtract a quarter. 240 hp − 60 = about 180 kW (exact: 179 kW).
- PS to hp: take off 1.4%. 150 PS ≈ 148 hp.
These shortcuts are within about 1% of the exact values, close enough when comparing cars or motors. For spec sheets and paperwork, use the converter, which rounds to two decimals.
Where you'll see kW instead of hp
- Electric cars: motor output is specified in kW (for example a 150 kW motor ≈ 201 hp). Don't confuse it with battery capacity, which is in kWh.
- Imported and European cars: spec sheets and registration papers list kW, often with PS in brackets.
- Generators, pumps and industrial motors: nameplates show kW, sometimes hp too.
- Outboard motors and small engines: usually hp in the US, kW elsewhere.
A quick mental shortcut: kW × 4/3 is close to hp (100 kW ≈ 133 hp; exact 134.1 hp).
Frequently asked questions
How many hp is 1 kW?
1 kW = 1.341 hp (mechanical horsepower) = 1.36 PS (metric horsepower).
How many kW is 1 hp?
1 hp = 0.7457 kW, or 745.7 watts.
Is PS the same as hp?
No. 1 PS = 0.9863 hp, so a figure in PS is about 1.4% higher than the same power in hp.
How do I convert an EV's kW to horsepower?
Divide by 0.7457, or multiply by 1.341. A 200 kW motor is about 268 hp.
Is bhp different from hp?
It's the same unit; bhp just says the power was measured at the engine's crankshaft.
Last updated: November 12, 2026