Kilowatts to Horsepower
Convert kilowatts to horsepower instantly — one kilowatt is 1.34102 horsepower.
| Kilowatts | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.341022 hp |
| 2 kW | 2.682044 hp |
| 3 kW | 4.023066 hp |
| 5 kW | 6.70511 hp |
| 10 kW | 13.410221 hp |
| 25 kW | 33.525552 hp |
| 50 kW | 67.051104 hp |
| 100 kW | 134.102209 hp |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Kilowatts field.
- The Horsepower figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Horsepower field converts back to Kilowatts the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Kilowatts to Horsepower formula
To convert kilowatts to horsepower, multiply by 1.34102209.
hp = kW × 1.34102209
Why this factor: the kilowatt and the horsepower are both defined against the watt, so dividing one definition by the other gives 1.34102209 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 1.34102209 — or use the Horsepower to Kilowatts converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Given 500 kW, multiplying by 1.34102209 yields 670.511045 hp.
500 kW × 1.34102209 = 670.511045 hp
The converter above does this for any value you type, in either direction.
What is a kilowatt?
A kilowatt is 1,000 watts, the practical unit for substantial electrical loads.
Definition: Exactly 1,000 watts.
Where it is used: Electric motor and vehicle output, heating systems, EV charger ratings, and solar array capacity.
What is a horsepower?
Mechanical horsepower is the traditional English-speaking unit of engine power.
Definition: Defined as 550 foot-pounds per second, which is about 745.700 watts.
Where it is used: US and UK car, motorcycle and small-engine power ratings.
Worth knowing: Distinct from metric horsepower (PS), which is about 1.4% smaller — so the same engine scores slightly higher in PS than in hp.
Kilowatts vs Horsepower
The kilowatt is a metric unit while the horsepower is an imperial unit. That is why the factor between them is not a round number: the two systems were defined independently and only later tied together by exact agreement.
Frequently asked questions
How many horsepower are in a kilowatt?
One kilowatt equals 1.34102209 horsepower.
What is the formula to convert kilowatts to horsepower?
Multiply the number of kilowatts by 1.34102209. To reverse it, divide by 1.34102209 instead.
How do I convert horsepower back to kilowatts?
Divide by 1.34102209, which is the same as multiplying by 0.745699872.
How many horsepower are in 10 kilowatts?
10 kW works out to 13.410221 hp.
Is there anything to watch out for with horsepower?
Distinct from metric horsepower (PS), which is about 1.4% smaller — so the same engine scores slightly higher in PS than in hp.
How is the kilowatt defined?
Exactly 1,000 watts.