Convert Watt (W) to Horsepower (metric)
Category: Power
1 w = 0.00136 hp
High-precision rounding: 6 decimals
How to convert watt (w) to horsepower (metric)
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.
This converter calculates Watt (W) to Horsepower (metric) values by using the correct conversion rule for the Power category. For linear units, standardized factors are used. For temperature, the calculator applies the proper formula with offsets.
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Quick conversion table
Handy values for Watt (W) to Horsepower (metric). 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
- Watt (W): Watt (W) is the SI unit of power: 1 W = 1 J/s.
- Horsepower (metric): Horsepower (metric) ≈ 735.5 W; coined by James Watt to market steam engines.
About Watt (W)
Watt (W)
SI power unit equal to 1 J/s. Used for electrical devices, light output (W vs lm), and mechanical power.
History: Named after James Watt; central to power engineering and efficiency ratings.
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).
Frequently asked questions
How many Horsepower (metric) are in one Watt (W)?
Is Watt (W) to Horsepower (metric) conversion exact?
What is the fastest way to convert Watt (W) to Horsepower (metric)?
Convert Watt (W) to other units
- w → kw Kilowatt (kW)
Convert other units to Horsepower (metric)
- kw → hp Kilowatt (kW)