HP ↔ kW ↔ PS Converter

Type a value in any box — the other two update instantly. HP is mechanical horsepower, PS is metric horsepower (Pferdestärke), and kW is the SI unit most of Europe quotes.

Convert power

Horsepower (hp)

Kilowatts (kW)

Metric horsepower (PS)

Horsepower

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Kilowatts

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Metric PS

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How the conversion works

The three units measure the same thing — rate of doing work — but with different definitions:

1 hp = 745.7 W · 1 PS = 735.499 W · 1 kW = 1000 W

So kW = hp × 0.7457, and PS = kW × 1.3596. PS is about 1.4% higher than HP for the same engine, which is why a "300 PS" car is roughly "296 hp".

FAQ

Is PS the same as BHP?

Almost. BHP (brake horsepower) equals mechanical HP. PS (metric horsepower) is ~1.4% smaller, so 300 PS ≈ 296 bhp.

Why does Europe use kW?

kW is the SI unit, so EU registration documents quote it. Enthusiasts still talk in HP/PS, hence the constant conversion.