Convert Kilowatts to Horsepower (kW to hp)
Kilowatt to Horsepower Converter
Formula
To convert kilowatts to horsepower, divide the power value by 0.7457.
Kilowatt Definition
A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts.
Derived from the watt, named after James Watt.
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.
- 1Converting from Kilowatts to Horsepower is useful in many practical situations.
- 2Scientists and engineers often need to convert between Kilowatts and Horsepower for their calculations.
- 3International trade and travel often requires converting between Kilowatts and Horsepower.
| Kilowatt (kW) | Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.341022 |
| 5 | 6.705109 |
| 10 | 13.410219 |
| 20 | 26.820437 |
| 50 | 67.051093 |
| 100 | 134.102186 |
Converting Kilowatts to Horsepower
To convert kilowatts to horsepower, divide the power value by 0.7457. This page provides comprehensive information about this conversion, including unit definitions, formulas, real-world examples, and frequently asked questions.
Unit Definitions
Description
One thousand watts.
History
Derived from the watt, named after James Watt.
System
The kilowatt belongs to the metric system of measurement.
Common Uses
- Electric motors
- Power generation
- Electric vehicles
- Engines
- Motors
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
Conversion Formula
Kilowatt to Horsepower
To convert kilowatts to horsepower, divide the power value by 0.7457.
Horsepower to Kilowatt
To convert Horsepower to Kilowatts, multiply by 0.7457.
Historical Context
Horsepower was introduced by James Watt in the 18th century to compare steam engines to the power of horses. The kilowatt, part of the metric system, was defined later as 1,000 watts. The conversion factor between them (1 hp = 0.7457 kW) became standardized with the adoption of the International System of Units (SI).
Understanding the historical context of these units helps explain why different systems coexist and why conversions between them are so important in our globally connected world.
Real-World Examples
- 11 kW ≈ 1.341 hp
- 210 kW ≈ 13.41 hp
- 350 kW ≈ 67.05 hp
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conversions
- watts to hp
- BTU/hr to kW
About Kilowatt to Horsepower Conversion
Converting from Kilowatts (kW) to Horsepower (hp) is a commonpower conversion, especially when working between the metric and imperial systems. This converter provides a reliable way to convert any value from Kilowatts to Horsepower with high precision.
To convert kilowatts to horsepower, divide the power value by 0.7457. This ensures accurate results whether you're working with everyday measurements or technical specifications.
Why Convert Between Kilowatts and Horsepower?
Power conversions between Kilowatts and Horsepower 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 metric system is used primarily in most countries worldwide, while the imperial system is common in the United States and a few other countries, converting between these systems is essential for global communication and understanding.
Conversion Accuracy
Our Kilowatt to Horsepower 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 Kilowatts and Horsepower has numerous practical applications:
- Comparing engine and motor specifications
- Electrical system design and planning
- Energy consumption analysis
- HVAC system sizing and selection
- Converting between electric vehicle and combustion engine power ratings
Having a reliable converter ensures accuracy in these applications, preventing costly errors and ensuring consistency across different measurement systems.
Historical Context
The relationship between Kilowatts and Horsepower has evolved over time:
Horsepower was introduced by James Watt in the 18th century to compare steam engines to the power of horses. The kilowatt, part of the metric system, was defined later as 1,000 watts. The conversion factor between them (1 hp = 0.7457 kW) became standardized with the adoption of the International System of Units (SI).
Understanding these historical contexts helps explain why we need these conversions and why certain conversion factors are used.
Kilowatt to Horsepower Conversion Table
This table provides common conversion values from Kilowatts to Horsepower. Use it as a quick reference for frequently needed conversions.
| Kilowatt (kW) | Horsepower (hp) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.341022 |
| 5 | 6.705109 |
| 10 | 13.410219 |
| 20 | 26.820437 |
| 50 | 67.051093 |
| 100 | 134.102186 |
How to use this table: Find the Kilowatt value in the left column, then read across to find the equivalent Horsepower value.
Conversion formula: To convert from Kilowatts to Horsepower, multiply the kilowatt value by the conversion factor.
Common Power Conversion Formulas
Here are some common conversion formulas for power units that you might find useful:
Multiply the power value in horsepower by 0.7457 to get kilowatts.
Divide the power value in kilowatts by 0.7457 to get horsepower.
Multiply the power value in watts by 0.001 to get kilowatts.
Multiply the power value in BTU per hour by 0.000293071 to get kilowatts.