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Multiple conversions
To convert from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Watt (W), use the following formula:
Watt (W)
= 735.49875× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
To convert from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Milliwatt (mW), use the following formula:
Milliwatt (mW)
= 735.49875 × 1000× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
= 735498.75× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
To convert from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Kilowatt (kW), use the following formula:
Kilowatt (kW)
= 735.49875 × 11000× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
= 0.73549875× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
To convert from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Megawatt (MW), use the following formula:
Megawatt (MW)
= 735.49875 × 1106× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
= 0.00073549875× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
To convert from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Gigawatt (GW), use the following formula:
Gigawatt (GW)
= 735.49875 × 1109× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
= 7.3549875× 10-7× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
To convert from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to British thermal unit per second (Btu/s), use the following formula:
British thermal unit per second (Btu/s)
= 735.49875 × 0.737562149 × 1778.16937× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
= 0.6971182104441013272× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
With 0.737562149 is the ratio between the base units Foot-pound per second (ft-lb/s) and Watt (W).
To convert from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Foot-pound per second (ft-lb/s), use the following formula:
Foot-pound per second (ft-lb/s)
= 735.49875 × 0.737562149× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
= 542.47603863681375× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
With 0.737562149 is the ratio between the base units Foot-pound per second (ft-lb/s) and Watt (W).
To convert from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Horsepower (British) (hp), use the following formula:
Horsepower (British) (hp)
= 735.49875 × 0.737562149 × 1550× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
= 0.98632007024875227273× Horsepower (metric) (PS)
With 0.737562149 is the ratio between the base units Foot-pound per second (ft-lb/s) and Watt (W).
Metric horsepower, often abbreviated as PS, is a common unit used to measure the power of an engine, especially for cars and motorcycles from Europe and Asia.
If you have ever looked at car specifications from a German or Japanese brand, you have likely seen this term.
Defined within the metric system, it is the power needed to lift a 75-kilogram mass one meter vertically in one second.
In more technical terms, one metric horsepower is precisely equal to 735.49875 watts (W). This standard is essential for accurately comparing the power of different engines, particularly when dealing with international vehicle specifications.
The abbreviation "PS" comes from the German word Pferdestärke, which literally translates to "horse strength" or horsepower.
This term originated in 19th-century Germany and quickly became the standard for measuring automotive power across much of Europe and Asia. Its widespread adoption reflects the metric system's dominance in those regions for scientific and industrial measurements.
While they sound almost identical, metric horsepower (PS) is not the same as the mechanical horsepower (hp) commonly used in the United States and the UK.
The key difference lies in their wattage equivalent. This small but important distinction is critical when you want to compare vehicle performance specifications from different markets accurately.
For example, a car advertised with 200 PS has slightly less power than a car advertised with 200 hp.
Here's a simple breakdown of the differences:
| Feature | Metric Horsepower (PS) | Mechanical Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|---|
| Commonly Used In | Europe, Asia | United States, UK |
| Wattage Equivalent | ~735.5 W | ~745.7 W |
| Relation to Each Other | 1 PS ≈ 0.986 hp | 1 hp ≈ 1.014 PS |