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Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower Converter

Convert kilowatts to PS with our free online power converter.

Quick Answer

1 Kilowatt = 1.359622 PS

Formula: Kilowatt × conversion factor = Metric Horsepower

Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.

Our Accuracy Guarantee

All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.

Last verified: February 2026Reviewed by: Sam Mathew, Software Engineer

Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower Calculator

How to Use the Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower Calculator:

  1. Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kilowatt).
  2. The converted value in Metric Horsepower will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
  3. Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Power category.
  4. Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
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How to Convert Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower: Step-by-Step Guide

Converting Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.

Formula:

PS = kW × 1.35962

Example Calculation:

1 kW = 1.359622 PS

Disclaimer: For Reference Only

These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.

Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.

Need to convert to other power units?

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📊 Power Table

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📋 Unit Symbols

Copy kW & PS symbols

What is a Kilowatt and a Metric Horsepower?

1 kW = 1,000 W = 1.341 hp = 3,412 BTU/h = 1,000 J/s

1 PS = 735.5 W = 0.7355 kW = 0.9863 hp (mechanical) = 75 kgf⋅m/s = 2,510 BTU/h

Names by region:

  • PS (Pferdestärke) - German
  • CV (Chevaux Vapeur) - French
  • pk (paardenkracht) - Dutch
  • hk (hästkraft) - Swedish
  • LE (Leistungseinheit) - Older German

All equal exactly 735.5 watts.

Note: The Kilowatt is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Metric Horsepower belongs to the imperial/US customary system.

Common Uses and Applications: kilowatts vs PS

Explore the typical applications for both Kilowatt (imperial/US) and Metric Horsepower (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for kilowatts

Appliances: Heaters (1-2 kW), microwaves (0.8-1.2 kW), electric ovens (2-5 kW). EVs: Charging power (3.7-22 kW home, 50-350 kW fast charging). Solar: Residential systems (5-10 kW capacity). HVAC: Air conditioner power (2-7 kW for homes).

When to Use PS

Automotive: Engine power ratings in Europe, Asia (100-500 PS typical). Motorcycles: Engine power specifications (15-200 PS). Industrial: European motors, pumps, machinery (kW now more common). Marine: European boat engines, outboards (5-500 PS).

Additional Unit Information

About Kilowatt (kW)

How do I convert kW to horsepower?

Formula: hp = kW × 1.341

Examples:

  • 10 kW = 13.4 hp
  • 75 kW = 100.6 hp (100 hp)
  • 100 kW = 134.1 hp
  • 250 kW = 335.3 hp

kW to HP converter →

What is the difference between kW and kWh?

kW (kilowatt) = Power (rate of energy use right now) kWh (kilowatt-hour) = Energy (total amount used over time)

Analogy:

  • kW = speedometer (speed right now)
  • kWh = odometer (total distance traveled)

Example: 2 kW heater × 3 hours = 6 kWh energy consumed

How much does 1 kW cost per hour?

Cost = kW × hours × electricity rate

Examples (at $0.15/kWh average US rate):

  • 1 kW for 1 hour = 1 kWh = $0.15
  • 2 kW heater for 8 hours = 16 kWh = $2.40
  • 100W light (0.1 kW) for 10 hours = 1 kWh = $0.15

Rates vary: $0.09-0.40/kWh depending on location and time of day.

How many kW is a typical home solar system?

Residential solar systems:

  • Small (2-4 people): 3-5 kW (10-15 panels)
  • Average home: 5-8 kW (15-24 panels)
  • Large home: 8-12 kW (24-36 panels)
  • Very large: 12-15+ kW (36-45+ panels)

Production: ~4-5 kWh per kW installed per day (varies by location, season).

Example: 6 kW system produces ~24-30 kWh/day, ~730-900 kWh/month.

About Metric Horsepower (PS)

How do I convert PS to horsepower (hp)?

Formula: hp = PS × 0.9863 (or PS ÷ 1.014)

Examples:

  • 100 PS = 98.6 hp
  • 150 PS = 148 hp
  • 200 PS = 197 hp
  • 300 PS = 296 hp

Reverse: hp × 1.014 = PS

PS to HP converter →

How do I convert PS to kilowatts?

Formula: kW = PS × 0.7355 (or PS ÷ 1.36)

Examples:

  • 75 PS = 55.2 kW
  • 100 PS = 73.6 kW
  • 150 PS = 110.3 kW
  • 200 PS = 147.1 kW

Quick approximation: Divide PS by 1.36 to get kW

PS to kW converter →

What is the difference between PS and hp?

Metric HP (PS): 735.5 W (75 kgf⋅m/s, Europe/Asia) Mechanical HP (hp): 745.7 W (550 ft⋅lb/s, US/UK)

Difference: PS is 1.4% less than hp

Conversion: 1 PS = 0.9863 hp, 1 hp = 1.014 PS

Example:

  • BMW 330i: 258 PS = 254 hp = 190 kW
  • Ford Mustang: 450 hp = 456 PS = 336 kW

Modern trend: Manufacturers increasingly list all three (PS, hp, kW)

Why does Europe use PS instead of hp?

Historical: Metric system adoption in Continental Europe

Definition basis:

  • PS based on metric units (75 kg lifted 1 m in 1 s)
  • hp based on imperial units (550 lb lifted 1 ft in 1 s)

Current practice:

  • Official: kW is legal unit (EU regulations)
  • Marketing: PS still widely used in car advertising
  • Dual listing: Most specs show "kW (PS)" format

Example spec: "110 kW (150 PS)" on European car brochures

How do I compare engine specs in different units?

Three common formats:

  1. US/Canada: hp (horsepower mechanical)
  2. Europe/Asia: PS (metric horsepower)
  3. International: kW (kilowatts)

Quick comparison table:

| hp | PS | kW | |-----|-----|-----| | 100 | 101 | 75 | | 150 | 152 | 112 | | 200 | 203 | 149 | | 300 | 304 | 224 |

Conversion shortcuts:

  • hp ≈ PS (within 1-2%)
  • kW × 1.36 ≈ PS
  • hp × 0.746 ≈ kW

Example: Car rated at 184 PS = 181 hp = 135 kW (all same power)

Conversion Table: Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower

Kilowatt (kW)Metric Horsepower (PS)
0.50.68
11.36
1.52.039
22.719
56.798
1013.596
2533.991
5067.981
100135.962
250339.905
500679.811
1,0001,359.622

People Also Ask

How do I convert Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower?

To convert Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower, enter the value in Kilowatt in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our power converter page to convert between other units in this category.

Learn more →

What is the conversion factor from Kilowatt to Metric Horsepower?

The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Kilowatt and Metric Horsepower. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.

Can I convert Metric Horsepower back to Kilowatt?

Yes! You can easily convert Metric Horsepower back to Kilowatt by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Metric Horsepower to Kilowatt converter page. You can also explore other power conversions on our category page.

Learn more →

What are common uses for Kilowatt and Metric Horsepower?

Kilowatt and Metric Horsepower are both standard units used in power measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our power converter for more conversion options.

For more power conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.

Helpful Conversion Guides

Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:

📚 How to Convert Units

Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.

🔢 Conversion Formulas

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⚖️ Metric vs Imperial

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⚠️ Common Mistakes

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Other Power Units and Conversions

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Verified Against Authority Standards

All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.

NIST Reference on Constants, Units and Uncertainty

National Institute of Standards and Technology — Fundamental physical constants and unit conversions

BIPM SI Units

Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units (SI) definitions and standards

ISO 80000

International Organization for Standardization — Quantities and units international standards series

Last verified: February 19, 2026