Convert Power from Kilowatts to Horsepower (metric) (kW to PS)

Kilowatt to Horsepower (metric) Conversion Formula

Example

Let's convert 5 Kilowatt (kW) to Horsepower (metric) (PS).

Using the formula:

Therefore, 5 Kilowatt (kW) is equal to 6.798108086519521617 Horsepower (metric) (PS).

How many kilowatts are in one horsepower (metric)? One Horsepower (metric) (PS) contains 0.73549875 Kilowatts (kW) — the inverse of the factor above. Multiplying by 1.3596216173039043234 takes you from kilowatts to horsepower (metric); multiplying by 0.73549875 brings you back.

Put in words: one kilowatt equals 1.3596216173039043234 horsepower (metric), so the kilowatt is the larger 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 a Kilowatt (kW)?

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.

What's the Difference Between a Kilowatt (kW) and a Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)?

It's easy to mix these two up, but the distinction is crucial: they measure power versus energy.

• A kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power. It tells you how much energy is being used at a single moment. Think of it as how fast water is flowing from a hose.
• A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy. It measures the total amount of power consumed over a period of one hour. This is the total amount of water that has come out of the hose after an hour.

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).

What Are Some Common Examples of Kilowatt Power Ratings?

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:

• Electric Kettle: 1.5 kW to 3 kW
• Electric Shower: 8 kW to 10.5 kW
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger: 3 kW to over 22 kW

Key Takeaways

To summarize, just remember these key points:

• Kilowatt (kW): A measure of power (how fast energy is used), equal to 1,000 watts.
• Kilowatt-hour (kWh): A measure of energy (how much total energy was used over time).
• Your Bill: You pay for the kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy you consume.

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:

Kilowatt to Horsepower (metric) Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from Kilowatt (kW) to Horsepower (metric) (PS):