Horsepower to Watts Calculator
Easily convert between different types of horsepower and watts with our precise power conversion calculator.
Conversion Results
Watts (W):
Kilowatts (kW):
Other Power Units:
- Mechanical HP:
- Metric HP:
- Electric HP:
- BTU/hour:
Equivalent Power Usage Examples:
Understanding Horsepower to Watts Conversion
Our Horsepower to Watts Calculator provides an easy way to convert between different power units, particularly focusing on the relationship between horsepower (HP) and watts (W). Understanding these conversions is crucial for engineers, mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone working with motors, engines, or power equipment.
What is Horsepower?
Horsepower is a unit of power originally developed by James Watt in the 18th century to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. Today, it remains a common unit for measuring the power of engines, motors, and other machines, particularly in the automotive and machinery industries.
Different Types of Horsepower
- Mechanical/Imperial Horsepower (hp): The standard horsepower used in the US and UK, defined as 550 foot-pounds per second or exactly 745.7 watts.
- Metric Horsepower (PS/CV/ch): Used in Europe and parts of Asia, defined as 75 kilogram-force meters per second or approximately 735.5 watts.
- Electric Horsepower: Used primarily for electric motors, standardized at exactly 746 watts.
- Boiler Horsepower: A unit used for rating steam boilers, equal to 9,809.5 watts (much larger than the other horsepower units).
Conversion Formulas
The following formulas are used to convert between horsepower and watts:
Mechanical HP to Watts: 1 hp = 745.7 watts
Metric HP to Watts: 1 PS = 735.5 watts
Electric HP to Watts: 1 electric hp = 746 watts
Boiler HP to Watts: 1 boiler hp = 9,809.5 watts
Watts to HP: Watts ÷ 745.7 = Mechanical HP
Why Convert Horsepower to Watts?
- Standardization: Watts are the standard SI unit for power, making it easier to compare different devices and systems.
- Electrical Equivalence: When working with both mechanical and electrical systems, using watts provides a common unit of measure.
- Energy Consumption: Understanding power in watts helps calculate energy consumption in watt-hours or kilowatt-hours, which is how electricity usage is typically measured and billed.
- International Communication: The SI system is used globally, making watts a universal language for power specifications.
Common Applications
Automotive: Converting engine horsepower to electrical power requirements for vehicle systems.
Home Appliances: Understanding the relationship between motor horsepower ratings and electrical consumption.
Industrial Equipment: Sizing electrical systems to support machinery with horsepower ratings.
HVAC Systems: Converting between thermal, mechanical, and electrical power units for heating and cooling equipment.
Power Generation: Comparing output capabilities of different types of generators and power plants.
How to Use Our Calculator
- Enter the horsepower value you want to convert
- Select the type of horsepower (Mechanical, Metric, Electric, or Boiler)
- Click "Convert to Watts" to see the results
- View the equivalent values in different power units
- Explore real-world examples of equipment with similar power ratings
Whether you're an engineer designing systems, a mechanic working on engines, or simply curious about power conversions, our calculator provides accurate and comprehensive conversion information to help you understand power relationships across different standards and applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there different types of horsepower?
Different types of horsepower evolved across various industries and regions. Mechanical horsepower was developed by James Watt for steam engines, while metric horsepower became popular in Europe. Electric horsepower was standardized for electrical motors, and boiler horsepower was created specifically for rating steam boilers. Each serves specific industries and applications, which is why conversions between them are often necessary.
How accurate are horsepower ratings on consumer products?
Horsepower ratings on consumer products, especially small appliances and tools, can sometimes be misleading. Manufacturers may list "peak horsepower" or "developed horsepower" which measures the maximum output at the moment of startup rather than sustained performance. For consistent comparison, look for "continuous duty" or "rated horsepower" which better represents actual operational power. Converting to watts can help make more standardized comparisons.
Can I use this calculator to determine my electricity costs?
Yes, but with some additional steps. This calculator converts horsepower to watts, which is a measure of power (energy used per second). To calculate electricity costs, you'll need to multiply the watts by the hours of operation to get watt-hours (or kilowatt-hours), and then multiply by your electricity rate. For example, a 1 HP motor (746 watts) running for 10 hours would use 7.46 kilowatt-hours. At $0.15 per kWh, that would cost approximately $1.12.