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Kilowatts to Horsepower (kW to HP) Calculator

Convert between Kilowatts (kW) and Horsepower (HP) using mechanical and metric horsepower standards.

Conversion Direction

Power in Kilowatts (kW)

Horsepower Standard

Power Conversion Output

Calculated Horsepower

13.4102 HP

Standard: Mechanical / Imperial HP (550 ft·lbf/s)

Watts (W)

10,000 W

Step-by-Step Engineering Calculation

1Conversion factor: $1\text{ Mechanical HP} = 745.70\text{ W}$
2Watts Conversion: $10\text{ kW} \times 1000 = 10000\text{ W}$
3Calculated HP: $\frac{10000\text{ W}}{745.70\text{ W/HP}} = \mathbf{13.4102\text{ HP}}$

Formula & Theory

1 Mechanical HP = 745.699872 W | 1 Metric HP (PS) = 735.49875 W

Precision conversion between electrical kilowatt power and mechanical shaft output horsepower.

Variable Definitions

kW:: Kilowatts (kW) – Power in metric kilowatts
HP:: Horsepower (HP) – Mechanical output horsepower (550 ft·lbf/s)

Worked Engineering Example

15 HP Electric Motor

Converting a 15 HP industrial motor nameplate to electrical kW output.

Inputs:

Horsepower: 15 HP
Standard: Mechanical (Imperial)

Result: Power = 11.1855 kW

Key Assumptions

•Mechanical horsepower standard (745.7 W/HP) unless Metric PS is selected.

Limitations & Safety Scope

•Motor electrical input kW is higher than shaft output kW due to motor efficiency (typically 85-95%).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 1 HP equal to 746 Watts?

One imperial horsepower was defined by James Watt as 550 foot-pounds per second, which converts precisely to 745.699872 Watts in the SI system.

Related Calculators & Engineering Tools

Educational & Reference Notice: This calculator provides technical estimates based on standard physical formulas. Actual electrical installation, protective device sizing, and conductor selection must be verified against the applicable electrical code (NEC, IEC, CEC) by a licensed electrician or qualified professional engineer.