Convert Power from Horsepower (metric) to Gigawatts (PS to GW)

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Horsepower (metric) to Gigawatt Conversion Formula

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)


Example

Let's convert 5 Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Gigawatt (GW).

Using the formula:

5 × 7.3549875× 10-7 = 0.00000367749375

Therefore, 5 Horsepower (metric) (PS) is equal to 0.00000367749375 Gigawatt (GW).

How many horsepower (metric) are in one gigawatt? One Gigawatt (GW) contains 1359621.6173039043234 Horsepower (metric) (PS) — the inverse of the factor above. Multiplying by 7.3549875× 10-7 takes you from horsepower (metric) to gigawatts; multiplying by 1359621.6173039043234 brings you back.

Put in words: one horsepower (metric) equals 7.3549875× 10-7 gigawatts, so the horsepower (metric) is the smaller unit of this pair. Converting between them never changes the amount of power being measured — only the size of the unit you count it in.

What is Metric Horsepower (PS)?

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.


Where Does the Abbreviation "PS" Come From?

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.


What's the Difference Between Metric (PS) and Mechanical (hp) Horsepower?

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:

FeatureMetric Horsepower (PS)Mechanical Horsepower (hp)
Commonly Used InEurope, AsiaUnited States, UK
Wattage Equivalent~735.5 W~745.7 W
Relation to Each Other1 PS ≈ 0.986 hp1 hp ≈ 1.014 PS

What is a Gigawatt (GW)?

A Gigawatt (GW) is a unit of power equal to one billion watts (109 W) or 1,000 megawatts.

It represents a significant amount of energy. To visualize this scale, a single gigawatt is roughly the amount of power generated by one large nuclear power plant.

This level of power is sufficient to supply electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes simultaneously.


How Are Gigawatts Used in Modern Energy?

The gigawatt is a standard unit for measuring the output of large-scale power generation facilities and national energy grids.

The capacity of major power sources is typically measured in gigawatts, including:

  • Hydroelectric dams
  • Large solar farms
  • Coal-fired power plants
  • Offshore wind farms

For example, a major offshore wind farm can have a generating capacity of over 1 GW, highlighting its importance in renewable energy planning and infrastructure development.


Why Is "1.21 Gigawatts" So Famous?

The term "gigawatt" gained widespread recognition through the classic 1985 film Back to the Future.

The iconic line "1.21 gigawatts!," delivered by Dr. Emmett Brown, refers to the immense power needed for the DeLorean time machine.

While often mispronounced as "jigowatt" in the movie, this famous quote introduced a massive audience to this unit of electrical power, cementing its place in popular culture.

Horsepower (metric) to Gigawatt Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Gigawatt (GW):

Horsepower (metric)Gigawatts
0.000001 PS7.3549875× 10-13 GW
0.001 PS7.3549875× 10-10 GW
0.1 PS7.3549875× 10-8 GW
1 PS7.3549875× 10-7 GW
2 PS0.0000014709975 GW
3 PS0.00000220649625 GW
4 PS0.000002941995 GW
5 PS0.00000367749375 GW
6 PS0.0000044129925 GW
7 PS0.00000514849125 GW
8 PS0.00000588399 GW
9 PS0.00000661948875 GW
10 PS0.0000073549875 GW
20 PS0.000014709975 GW
30 PS0.0000220649625 GW
40 PS0.00002941995 GW
50 PS0.0000367749375 GW
100 PS0.000073549875 GW
1000 PS0.00073549875 GW
10000 PS0.0073549875 GW