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Single conversion
To convert from Milliwatt (mW) to Horsepower (metric) (PS), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Milliwatt (mW) to Horsepower (metric) (PS).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Milliwatt (mW) is equal to Horsepower (metric) (PS).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Milliwatt (mW) to Horsepower (metric) (PS):
| Milliwatts | Horsepower (metric) |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 mW | PS |
| 0.001 mW | PS |
| 0.1 mW | PS |
| 1 mW | PS |
| 2 mW | PS |
| 3 mW | PS |
| 4 mW | PS |
| 5 mW | PS |
| 6 mW | PS |
| 7 mW | PS |
| 8 mW | PS |
| 9 mW | PS |
| 10 mW | PS |
| 20 mW | PS |
| 30 mW | PS |
| 40 mW | PS |
| 50 mW | PS |
| 100 mW | PS |
| 1000 mW | PS |
| 10000 mW | PS |
A milliwatt (mW) is a unit used to measure power.
It is equal to one-thousandth of a watt.
To put it simply, you need 1,000 milliwatts to equal one watt (1 W = 1,000 mW).
The milliwatt (mW) is the perfect unit for measuring the small amount of power used by many common electronic devices.
For example, the power of a Wi-Fi signal, the laser in a Blu-ray player, and the tiny LEDs on your electronics are all measured in milliwatts.
Using such small amounts of power is key to making the batteries last longer in your favorite gadgets, including wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and TV remotes.
While the most common conversion is between milliwatts and watts (1,000 mW = 1 W), some technical fields use a different unit.
In telecommunications and fiber optics, power is often measured in dBm (decibels relative to one milliwatt). This scale makes it easier to work with a vast range of power levels.
For reference, 0 dBm is equal to exactly 1 mW.
When it comes to products with lasers, the milliwatt (mW) rating is a critical safety measure.
To prevent eye injuries, regulatory bodies like the FDA classify lasers based on their power output in milliwatts.
For example, handheld laser pointers sold to the public are legally required in most regions to have a power output of less than 5 mW.
This is a clear example of how milliwatt ratings are used to keep consumers safe.
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 |