Easily convert horsepower to kilowatts with our HP to kW calculator or switch from kilowatts to horsepower using the kW to HP calculator. Fast, accurate, and user-friendly tool for quick power unit conversions.
Horsepower(hp)
Horsepower (abbreviated as “hp”) is a unit used to measure power, or the rate at which work is done. There are two main types of horsepower:
- Mechanical (Imperial) Horsepower: Equal to approximately 745.7 watts.
- Metric Horsepower: Equal to approximately 735.5 watts.
When rating electric motors, one horsepower is commonly considered equal to 746 watts.
Kilowatt(kW)
In the International System of Units (SI), the kilowatt, symbolized as kW, is a standard unit of power. It is based on the fundamental unit watt, where 1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. The prefix “kilo-” in the metric system signifies a factor of one thousand. Therefore, 1 kilowatt represents 1,000 joules of energy transferred per second. Kilowatts are commonly used to measure the power output of engines, electric motors, heaters, and other electrical devices in both residential and industrial settings.
1)Horsepower to Kilowatt Conversion Formulas
Electrical Horsepower to Kilowatt Conversion
We know that:
1 HP = 746 W = 0.746 kW
Therefore:
kW = 0.746 × HP

Example- Convert 20 electrical horsepower to kilowatts

Mechanical Horsepower to Kilowatt Conversion
To convert mechanical horsepower (HP) to kilowatts (kW), use the following formula:

Example-Convert 15 mechanical horsepower to kilowatts:

Metric Horsepower to Kilowatt Conversion
To convert metric horsepower (HP) to kilowatts (kW), use the following formula:

Example- Convert 10 metric horsepower to kilowatts:

These formulas are useful for converting power between mechanical horsepower and kilowatts, especially when comparing engine or motor ratings in different unit systems.
2) Kilowatt to Horsepower Conversion Formulas
You can convert kilowatts (kW) to horsepower (HP) using different formulas depending on the type of horsepower:
Kilowatt to Mechanical Horsepower (Imperial HP) Conversion:

Examples: Convert 5 kW to mechanical HP

Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower Conversion

Examples: Convert 5 kW to metric HP

Kilowatt to Electric Horsepower Conversion Formula
To convert kilowatts (kW) to electric horsepower (HP), use the following formula:

Example: Convert 12 kW to electric horsepower:

These formulas are useful for converting power between mechanical horsepower and kilowatts, especially when comparing engine or motor ratings in different unit systems.
Use Our HP to KW Calculator
Quickly convert horsepower (HP) to kilowatts (kW) with our easy-to-use calculator. Simply input the following values:
- Horsepower (HP)
- Type of Horsepower (Mechanical, Electric or Metric)
The calculator will instantly give you the kilowatt (kW) equivalent for your inputted horsepower.
Use Our kW to HP Calculator
Easily convert kilowatts (kW) to horsepower (HP) using our kW to HP calculator — no need for manual calculations!
Just enter the following:
- Power in kilowatts (kW)
- Type of Horsepower (Electric, Mechanical, or Metric)
The calculator will instantly give you the accurate horsepower (HP) value based on your input.
Conclusion
Converting between horsepower (HP) and kilowatts (kW) is essential for understanding power ratings in both mechanical and electrical systems. Whether you’re working with electric motors, engines, or industrial equipment, knowing how to accurately switch between these units is crucial.
With our HP to kW calculator and kW to HP calculator, you can skip the manual math and get instant, accurate results. Whether you’re using mechanical, metric, or electric horsepower, our tools make the conversion process simple, fast, and reliable.
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