Convert Horsepower (metric) (hp) to Kilowatt (kW) (kw)
Category: Power
1 hp = 0.735499 kw
High-precision rounding: 6 decimals
How to convert horsepower (metric) to kilowatt (kw)
We convert by pivoting through the SI base unit for Power and applying exact factors where applicable.
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Quick conversion table
Handy values for Horsepower (metric) → Kilowatt (kW). Click a value to open that exact result.
Conversion formula
Linear unit conversions use standardized factors; many are exact by definition (e.g., 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft = 0.3048 m).
Common mistakes
- Mixing metric horsepower with mechanical horsepower; prefer kW for consistency.
Unit facts
- Horsepower (metric): Horsepower (metric) ≈ 735.5 W; coined by James Watt to market steam engines.
- Kilowatt (kW): A kilowatt equals 1,000 W; used for appliances, motors, and solar systems.
About Power
Power is the rate of energy transfer (J/s). Watts and kilowatts dominate, with horsepower used historically in vehicles and machinery. Choosing kW vs hp is often a matter of audience and regulation.
About Horsepower (metric)
Horsepower (metric)
≈735.49875 W. Still appears in automotive marketing; converts cleanly to kW for regulatory specs.
History: Term popularized by James Watt to relate engine output to draft horses; multiple HP variants exist (metric, mechanical, boiler).
About Kilowatt (kW)
Kilowatt (kW)
Equals 1,000 W. Typical scale for motors, EV chargers, and household peak loads.
History: Scaled SI multiple that fits common machinery and grid discussions.
Related conversions from hp
- hp → w Watt (W)
Related conversions to kw
- w → kw Watt (W)