Select a category and enter your values below
To convert from Kilowatt (kW) to Horsepower (metric) (PS), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Kilowatt (kW) to Horsepower (metric) (PS).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Kilowatt (kW) is equal to Horsepower (metric) (PS).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Kilowatt (kW) to Horsepower (metric) (PS):
| Kilowatts | Horsepower (metric) |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 kW | PS |
| 0.001 kW | PS |
| 0.1 kW | PS |
| 1 kW | PS |
| 2 kW | PS |
| 3 kW | PS |
| 4 kW | PS |
| 5 kW | PS |
| 6 kW | PS |
| 7 kW | PS |
| 8 kW | PS |
| 9 kW | PS |
| 10 kW | PS |
| 20 kW | PS |
| 30 kW | PS |
| 40 kW | PS |
| 50 kW | PS |
| 100 kW | PS |
| 1000 kW | PS |
| 10000 kW | PS |
A kilowatt (kW) is a standard unit used to measure power.
It's part of the metric system and is equal to exactly one thousand watts (1,000 W).
The prefix "kilo-" simply means one thousand, which makes converting between watts and kilowatts easy:
1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 watts (W)
You'll commonly see this unit on labels for engines, electric motors, and many household appliances to indicate their power consumption or output.
It's easy to mix these two up, but the distinction is crucial: they measure power versus energy.
When you get your electricity bill, you are being charged for the total energy you used (the kilowatt-hours).
You are not charged for the peak power you demanded (the kilowatts).
You can find kilowatt (kW) power ratings on many high-power devices in your home.
This rating indicates how much power a device requires to operate. Here are a few typical examples:
To summarize, just remember these key points:
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 |