Convert Horsepower to Watts (hp to W)

Horsepower to Watt Converter

About This Conversion

Formula

To convert horsepower to watts, multiply the power value by 745.7.

Horsepower * 745.7

Horsepower Definition

A unit of power originally defined as the power needed to lift 550 pounds by one foot in one second.

Introduced by James Watt in the 18th century to compare steam engines to horses.

Watt Definition

The SI unit of power, equal to one joule per second.

Named after James Watt, the Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer.

Conversion Table: Horsepower to Watts
Horsepower (hp)Watt (W)
0.5372.85
1745.7
21491.4
53728.5
107457
2014914
Frequently Asked Questions

Converting Horsepower to Watts

To convert horsepower to watts, multiply the power value by 745.7. This page provides comprehensive information about this conversion, including unit definitions, formulas, real-world examples, and frequently asked questions.

Unit Definitions

Horsepower (hp)

Description

Originally defined as power to lift 550 lb-ft/sec.

History

Introduced by James Watt in the 18th century to compare steam engines to horses.

System

The horsepower belongs to the imperial system of measurement.

Common Uses

  • Engines
  • Motors
  • Machinery
Watt (W)

Description

One joule per second, the SI unit of power.

History

Named after James Watt, the Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer.

System

The watt belongs to the SI system of measurement.

Common Uses

  • Electrical devices
  • Light bulbs
  • Small appliances
  • Electronics

Conversion Formula

Horsepower to Watt

horsepower * 745.7

To convert horsepower to watts, multiply the power value by 745.7.

Watt to Horsepower

watt / 745.7

To convert Watts to Horsepower, W / 745.7.

About Horsepower to Watt Conversion

Converting from Horsepower (hp) to Watts (W) is a commonpower conversion, especially when working between the imperial and SI systems. This converter provides a reliable way to convert any value from Horsepower to Watts with high precision.

To convert horsepower to watts, multiply the power value by 745.7. This ensures accurate results whether you're working with everyday measurements or technical specifications.

Why Convert Between Horsepower and Watts?

Power conversions between Horsepower and Watts are frequently needed in various situations:

  • International travel and communication
  • Engineering and technical documentation
  • Science and academic research
  • Cooking and recipes from different regions
  • Manufacturing and product specifications
  • Engine and motor specifications

Since the imperial system is used primarily in the United States and a few other countries, while the SI system is common in most countries worldwide, converting between these systems is essential for global communication and understanding.

Conversion Accuracy

Our Horsepower to Watt converter uses the precise conversion factor to provide accurate results. While some may use simplified approximations for quick mental calculations, this converter ensures high precision for all applications, from everyday use to scientific and engineering calculations.

For everyday use, you can often use simplified conversion factors, but for technical work, the full precision offered by this converter is recommended.

Practical Applications

Converting between Horsepower and Watts has numerous practical applications:

  • Comparing engine and motor specifications
  • Electrical system design and planning
  • Energy consumption analysis
  • HVAC system sizing and selection

Having a reliable converter ensures accuracy in these applications, preventing costly errors and ensuring consistency across different measurement systems.

Historical Context

The relationship between Horsepower and Watts has evolved over time:

Understanding these historical contexts helps explain why we need these conversions and why certain conversion factors are used.

Horsepower to Watt Conversion Table

This table provides common conversion values from Horsepower to Watts. Use it as a quick reference for frequently needed conversions.

Horsepower (hp)Watt (W)
0.5372.85
1745.7
21491.4
53728.5
107457
2014914

How to use this table: Find the Horsepower value in the left column, then read across to find the equivalent Watt value.

Conversion formula: To convert from Horsepower to Watts, multiply the horsepower value by the conversion factor.

Common Power Conversion Formulas

Here are some common conversion formulas for power units that you might find useful:

Horsepower to Kilowatts
hp × 0.7457 = kW

Multiply the power value in horsepower by 0.7457 to get kilowatts.

Kilowatts to Horsepower
kW ÷ 0.7457 = hp

Divide the power value in kilowatts by 0.7457 to get horsepower.

Watts to Kilowatts
W × 0.001 = kW

Multiply the power value in watts by 0.001 to get kilowatts.

BTU per hour to Kilowatts
BTU/h × 0.000293071 = kW

Multiply the power value in BTU per hour by 0.000293071 to get kilowatts.