Power Converter

Convert engine power instantly between Horsepower (HP), Brake Horsepower (BHP), Metric Horsepower (PS), and Kilowatts (kW). Ideal for comparing vehicle specifications from Europe, the UK, and North America using internationally recognised conversion factors.

✔ Instant conversion • ✔ Automotive & engineering • ✔ No registration required

Tip: Most European manufacturers quote engine power in PS, American manufacturers usually use HP, while modern electric vehicles commonly list power in kW.

What Is Engine Power?

Engine power measures how quickly an engine can perform work. While torque represents rotational force, power combines torque and engine speed (RPM) to describe a vehicle's overall performance potential. Different countries use different power units, making conversion useful when comparing cars, motorcycles, and electric vehicles.

Supported Power Units

This converter supports the three most commonly used engine power units worldwide:

• Horsepower (HP) – Mechanical horsepower, primarily used in the United States and Canada.
• Metric Horsepower (PS) – Also known as Pferdestärke, the standard horsepower unit used across Germany and much of Europe.
• Kilowatts (kW) – The official SI unit of power, widely used for electric vehicles and engineering specifications.

Official Conversion Factors

This calculator uses internationally recognised conversion constants:

• 1 HP = 0.7457 kW
• 1 HP = 1.0139 PS
• 1 kW = 1.3410 HP
• 1 kW = 1.3596 PS
• 1 PS = 0.9863 HP
• 1 PS = 0.7355 kW

Worked Examples

Example 1 — Convert 450 HP

450 HP equals approximately 335.6 kW or 456.2 PS.

Example 2 — Convert 600 PS

600 PS equals approximately 591.8 HP or 441.3 kW.

Example 3 — Convert 250 kW

250 kW equals approximately 335.3 HP or 339.9 PS.

Where These Conversions Are Used

• Vehicle specifications
• Performance comparisons
• Car and motorcycle reviews
• Dyno charts
• Electric vehicle specifications
• Engineering calculations

What Is the Difference Between HP, PS and kW?

Although all three units measure engine power, they originate from different measurement systems. Horsepower (HP) is commonly used in North America, PS (Pferdestärke) is the metric horsepower used across much of Europe, and kilowatts (kW) are the official SI unit used by engineers and nearly all electric vehicle manufacturers.

You may also come across Brake Horsepower (BHP) in older UK publications. For almost all practical automotive purposes, BHP and mechanical HP are numerically almost identical, which is why this converter uses HP as the standard horsepower unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HP the same as PS?

No. One mechanical horsepower equals approximately 1.0139 PS, making PS slightly larger than HP. The difference is very small but noticeable in manufacturer specifications.

Why do German cars use PS?

Manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen traditionally publish engine output in PS because it is the metric horsepower standard used throughout Germany and much of Europe.

Why do electric vehicles use kW?

Electric motors are typically rated in kilowatts because kW is the internationally recognised SI unit of power used in engineering, electrical systems, and official technical documentation.

You May Also Find These Calculators Useful

If you're comparing vehicle performance, you may also find our Torque Converter, Power-to-Weight Calculator, Fuel Cost Calculator, MPG Converter, Mileage Calculator, and EV vs Petrol Running Cost Calculator useful.

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