Convert kilowatts to horsepower (kW to hp)
To convert kilowatts to horsepower, divide the value in kilowatts by 0.74569987158227 — the same as multiplying by about 1.34102. It turns metric engine ratings, EV motor outputs and generator sizes into horsepower. This kw to hp converter works both ways: type kilowatts or horsepower into either box above and the other box, the worked formula and the chart below update as you type.
The kilowatt (kW) is 1,000 watts. The watt, also named after James Watt, is the SI unit of power: one joule per second. Kilowatts are used for electric motors, EV chargers, solar systems, generators and, officially, car engines in Europe. One kilowatt is 1.34102 horsepower.
Mechanical horsepower (hp) was defined by James Watt as 550 foot-pounds per second, which works out at 745.69987158227 watts. Going the other way, one horsepower equals 0.7457 kilowatts. It is the familiar rating for car and motorcycle engines in the US and UK, and for lawn mowers, pumps and outboard motors.
How to convert kw to hp with this tool
- Type a number into the Kilowatts (kW) box — it starts at 100 kW as an example.
- Read the answer in the Horsepower (hp) box and in the result panel, which also shows the formula with your number.
- To go the other way, type into the horsepower box, or press the swap button to open the HP to kW converter with your value carried over.
- Choose how many decimal places you want, or tap a quick value such as 7.5 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW.
- Press Copy result to paste the conversion into a message, spreadsheet or note.
kW to HP converter features
Converts both ways
Type in the kilowatts box to get horsepower, or in the horsepower box to get kilowatts. The other box follows instantly.
Exact factor
Calculations use 1 hp = 0.74569987158227 kW, and rounding is applied only to the answer you see — choose Auto or 0–10 decimal places.
Formula with your number
The working is shown under the result, for example 100 kW ÷ 0.74569987158227 = 134.1022 hp, so you can check it or copy the method.
Quick values and chart
Tap common values like 7.5 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW, or read the kilowatts-to-horsepower table further down this page.
Metric horsepower too
The PS (metric horsepower) figure is shown under the result, for European and Asian spec sheets.
kW to HP formula
The formula is hp = kW ÷ 0.74569987158227. It is exact because one mechanical horsepower is 745.69987158227 W, or 0.74569987158227 kW.
The reverse formula is kW = hp × 0.74569987158227 — or use the HP to kW converter. Three worked examples:
- A 100 kW electric motor: 100 kW ÷ 0.74569987158227 = 134.1022 hp
- A 7.5 kW pump: 7.5 kW ÷ 0.74569987158227 = 10.0577 hp
- A 250 kW sports car: 250 kW ÷ 0.74569987158227 = 335.2555 hp
Which horsepower?
Several units share the name horsepower, so check which one a spec sheet means. For example, 100 kW = 134.1022 hp, while 100 kW = 135.9622 PS. The common ones are:
- Mechanical (imperial) horsepower, hp — 745.69987158227 W. Used on this page and for engines in the US and UK.
- Metric horsepower (PS, CV, ch) — 735.49875 W, about 1.4% smaller; common in Europe and Asia.
- Electrical horsepower — exactly 746 W, used to rate electric motors.
- Boiler horsepower — about 9,810 W, used only for steam boilers.
kW to HP quick reference
The values people look up most often, worked out with the exact factor:
- 1 kW = 1.34102 hp
- 1 hp = 0.7457 kW
- 7.5 kW = 10.0577 hp
- 50 kW = 67.0511 hp
- 100 kW = 134.1022 hp
- 150 kW = 201.1533 hp
Quick tip: Multiply by 4/3 for a quick estimate: 90 kW ≈ 120 hp, versus the exact 120.692 hp.
Related conversions: the full power converter.
kW to HP conversion table
Values in horsepower are rounded to 4 decimal places (more for very small numbers). For any value not listed, type it into the converter above.
| kW | hp | kW | hp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.6705 | 60 | 80.4613 |
| 0.75 | 1.0058 | 75 | 100.5767 |
| 1 | 1.341 | 80 | 107.2818 |
| 1.5 | 2.0115 | 90 | 120.692 |
| 2 | 2.682 | 100 | 134.1022 |
| 3 | 4.0231 | 110 | 147.5124 |
| 5 | 6.7051 | 120 | 160.9227 |
| 7.5 | 10.0577 | 150 | 201.1533 |
| 10 | 13.4102 | 200 | 268.2044 |
| 15 | 20.1153 | 250 | 335.2555 |
| 20 | 26.8204 | 300 | 402.3066 |
| 30 | 40.2307 | 400 | 536.4088 |
| 40 | 53.6409 | 500 | 670.511 |
| 50 | 67.0511 |
kW to HP FAQ
What is 50 kW in horsepower?
50 kilowatts is 67.0511 horsepower: 50 kW ÷ 0.74569987158227 = 67.0511 hp.
How do I convert kw to hp?
Divide the value in kilowatts by 0.74569987158227 — the same as multiplying by about 1.34102. For example, 150 kW ÷ 0.74569987158227 = 201.1533 hp. To convert back, multiply the value in horsepower by 0.74569987158227 — or use the HP to kW converter.
What is 1 hp in kilowatts?
One horsepower is 0.7457 kilowatts, because 1 hp × 0.74569987158227 = 0.7457 kW.
What does 150 kW equal in horsepower?
How do I convert kW to PS?
Divide by 0.73549875: 100 kW is 135.962 PS (metric horsepower), slightly more than 100 kW = 134.1022 hp, because a PS is a smaller unit.