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To convert from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Gigawatt (GW), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Gigawatt (GW).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Horsepower (metric) (PS) is equal to Gigawatt (GW).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Gigawatt (GW):
| Horsepower (metric) | Gigawatts |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 PS | GW |
| 0.001 PS | GW |
| 0.1 PS | GW |
| 1 PS | GW |
| 2 PS | GW |
| 3 PS | GW |
| 4 PS | GW |
| 5 PS | GW |
| 6 PS | GW |
| 7 PS | GW |
| 8 PS | GW |
| 9 PS | GW |
| 10 PS | GW |
| 20 PS | GW |
| 30 PS | GW |
| 40 PS | GW |
| 50 PS | GW |
| 100 PS | GW |
| 1000 PS | GW |
| 10000 PS | GW |
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 |
A Gigawatt (GW) is a unit of power equal to one billion watts ( 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.
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:
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.
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.