Convert Power from Horsepower (metric) to Horsepower (British) (PS to hp)

Horsepower (metric) to Horsepower (British) Conversion Formula

Example

Let's convert 5 Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Horsepower (British) (hp).

Using the formula:

Therefore, 5 Horsepower (metric) (PS) is equal to 4.9316003512437613637 Horsepower (British) (hp).

How many horsepower (metric) are in one horsepower (british)? One Horsepower (British) (hp) contains 1.0138696658051352604 Horsepower (metric) (PS) — the inverse of the factor above. Multiplying by 0.98632007024875227273 takes you from horsepower (metric) to horsepower (british); multiplying by 1.0138696658051352604 brings you back.

Put in words: one horsepower (metric) equals 0.98632007024875227273 horsepower (british), 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:

What Is British Horsepower (hp)?

British horsepower (hp) is a unit used to measure power, most commonly in the imperial system of measurement.

It was initially created to describe the amount of work a horse could do over a period of time.

In simple terms, one horsepower is defined as the power needed to lift 550 pounds by a distance of one foot in just one second.

Where Did the Term 'Horsepower' Come From?

The concept of horsepower was invented by Scottish engineer James Watt in the late 18th century.

To help sell his new steam engines, he needed a simple way to compare their power to something people already understood: the strength of a draft horse.

After observing horses at work, Watt calculated that an average horse could lift 550 pounds at a rate of one foot per second.

He established this value as the standard for one horsepower (hp), creating a brilliant marketing tool that is still used today.

What Can One Horsepower Actually Do?

It can be hard to picture what "550 foot-pounds per second" feels like. Here's a more modern way to think about it:

Imagine lifting a 55-pound bag of dog food 10 feet into the air in just one second.

The power you would need to do that is roughly equal to one horsepower.

This simple standard created a practical way to measure and compare the power of different engines and motors.

How to Convert Horsepower (hp) to Watts (W)

In modern science and most parts of the world, the standard unit for power is the watt (W), named after James Watt.

The conversion between horsepower and watts is essential for comparing specifications on modern electronics and machinery.

The conversion is:

• 1 Horsepower (hp) = 745.7 Watts (W)

This means an engine rated at 10 hp has a power output of approximately 7,457 watts, or about 7.5 kilowatts (kW).

Horsepower (metric) to Horsepower (British) Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from Horsepower (metric) (PS) to Horsepower (British) (hp):