Kilowatts to Horsepower
Convert kilowatts to horsepower instantly. Free, fast, no signup.
How to use this tool
- Enter kilowatts in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your horsepower and the full breakdown beneath it.
Convert kilowatts to horsepower instantly. Free, fast, no signup.
Formula
Horsepower = Kilowatts × 1.34102
Since 1 hp = 0.745700 kW, the inverse gives 1 kW = 1 ÷ 0.745700 ≈ 1.34102 hp.
How it works
To convert kilowatts to mechanical horsepower, multiply the power in kilowatts by 1.34102. This is the exact reciprocal of the hp-to-kW factor: since 1 hp = 0.745699872 kW, one kilowatt equals 1 ÷ 0.745699872 ≈ 1.34102 hp. This conversion is used when reading European engine specifications (in kW) and needing a US horsepower equivalent for comparison.
Common mistake: Applying the metric horsepower reciprocal (1 kW ≈ 1.3596 metric hp) instead of 1.34102 (mechanical hp), which overstates power by about 1.4% — a meaningful difference for performance comparisons and regulatory compliance.
Worked example
Convert 1 kilowatt to horsepower
- Start with the input: 1 kilowatt (kW).
- Apply the conversion factor: 1 × 1.3410220896 = 1.3410220896.
- Round to four decimal places: 1.3410 hp.
1 kilowatt = 1.341 horsepower
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using 1.341 instead of 1.34102, a minor but compounding error when sizing multiple motors.
- Confusing kW input (shaft power) with kVA (apparent power) on electrical equipment nameplates — they differ by the power factor.
- Treating rated kW as continuous kW; most motors have duty cycles that reduce their effective continuous power.
Key terms
- Kilowatt (kW)
- An SI unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. Engine power is rated in kW in most countries outside the US.
- Horsepower (hp)
- A unit of power used primarily in the US. Mechanical horsepower is defined as 550 ft·lbf/s ≈ 745.7 W.
- Power
- The rate at which energy is transferred or work is done, measured in watts (SI) or horsepower (US customary). 1 W = 1 J/s.
- Metric Horsepower (PS)
- A European variant of horsepower equal to 735.499 W, used in Germany and some other countries. It is approximately 1.4% less than US mechanical horsepower.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I convert kilowatts to horsepower?
- Multiply the number of kilowatts by 1.34102 to get horsepower.