kW to HP Converter (Kilowatts to Horsepower)
By Santaji GadepatilinUpdated October 27, 2026
Kilowatts and horsepower both measure power. Motor and engine ratings often appear in one unit while you need the other — 1 kW is about 1.341 hp. This free kW to HP converter converts instantly in both directions and includes a quick reference table.
How to use the kW to HP converter
Type a value in Kilowatts and the other units update instantly. Every field is live, so you can just as easily start from horsepower (mechanical) or any other unit and convert back.
KW to HP formula
hp = kW ÷ 0.7457 ≈ kW × 1.341
1 kW = 1.34102 hp, and 1 hp = 0.7457 kW.
kW to hp chart
| kW | hp | kW | hp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.37 | 0.496178 | 11 | 14.7512 |
| 0.55 | 0.737562 | 15 | 20.1153 |
| 0.75 | 1.00577 | 18.5 | 24.8089 |
| 1 | 1.34102 | 22 | 29.5025 |
| 1.1 | 1.47512 | 30 | 40.2307 |
| 1.5 | 2.01153 | 37 | 49.6178 |
| 2.2 | 2.95025 | 45 | 60.346 |
| 3 | 4.02307 | 55 | 73.7562 |
| 3.7 | 4.96178 | 75 | 100.577 |
| 4 | 5.36409 | 90 | 120.692 |
| 5.5 | 7.37562 | 110 | 147.512 |
| 7.5 | 10.0577 |
hp to kW chart
| hp | kW | hp | kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.37285 | 10 | 7.457 |
| 1 | 0.7457 | 15 | 11.1855 |
| 1.5 | 1.11855 | 20 | 14.914 |
| 2 | 1.4914 | 25 | 18.6425 |
| 3 | 2.2371 | 50 | 37.285 |
| 5 | 3.7285 | 100 | 74.57 |
| 7.5 | 5.59275 | 150 | 111.855 |
Definitions
- Mechanical horsepower (hp): 745.7 W. Used in the US and on many motor nameplates.
- Metric horsepower (PS, CV): 735.5 W. Common in European and Asian car specifications.
- Kilowatt: 1,000 W, the SI unit used on IEC motor ratings.
Standard motor sizes
IEC motor ratings and their usual hp labels:
| kW | hp label |
|---|---|
| 0.75 | 1 hp |
| 1.5 | 2 hp |
| 2.2 | 3 hp |
| 3.7 | 5 hp |
| 5.5 | 7.5 hp |
| 7.5 | 10 hp |
| 11 | 15 hp |
| 15 | 20 hp |
Labels are rounded; 7.5 kW is exactly 10.06 hp.
Electrical input vs output
A motor’s kW or hp rating is its shaft output. Electrical input is higher because of losses: a 7.5 kW motor at 90% efficiency draws about 8.3 kW. See the three-phase motor power calculator.
Car engines
Car brochures may use kW, hp or PS. 100 kW = 134 hp = 136 PS.
Frequently asked questions
How many hp is 1 kW?
1.341 hp (mechanical) or 1.36 PS.
How many kW is a 5 hp motor?
3.73 kW.
Is PS the same as hp?
Nearly: 1 PS = 0.986 hp.