Conversion Formula:
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Kilowatts (kW) and Horsepower (HP) are both units of power measurement. Kilowatts are part of the International System of Units (SI), while horsepower is a traditional unit of power commonly used in automotive and mechanical engineering applications.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts power measurements from kilowatts to horsepower using the standard conversion factor.
Details: Accurate power unit conversion is essential for engineers, mechanics, and technicians working with international specifications, comparing engine performance, and ensuring compatibility between different measurement systems.
Tips: Enter the kilowatt value you wish to convert. The value must be a positive number. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent horsepower.
Q1: What is the exact conversion factor between kW and HP?
A: The exact conversion factor is 1 horsepower = 0.745699872 kilowatts, commonly rounded to 0.7457 for practical calculations.
Q2: Are there different types of horsepower?
A: Yes, there are mechanical horsepower (HP), metric horsepower (PS), and electrical horsepower. This calculator uses mechanical horsepower, which is the most common in the United States and United Kingdom.
Q3: Why is horsepower still used alongside kilowatts?
A: Horsepower remains popular in automotive industries and mechanical engineering due to historical tradition and consumer familiarity, especially in North America.
Q4: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically precise for the standard definition of mechanical horsepower. For most practical applications, the rounding to 0.7457 provides sufficient accuracy.
Q5: Can I convert horsepower back to kilowatts?
A: Yes, to convert horsepower to kilowatts, multiply the horsepower value by 0.7457 (kW = HP × 0.7457).