Kilowatts to Metric Horsepower
Type a value in either box to convert between kilowatts and metric horsepower. The factor is 1.35962.
| Kilowatts | Metric Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.359622 PS |
| 2 kW | 2.719243 PS |
| 3 kW | 4.078865 PS |
| 5 kW | 6.798108 PS |
| 10 kW | 13.596216 PS |
| 25 kW | 33.99054 PS |
| 50 kW | 67.981081 PS |
| 100 kW | 135.962162 PS |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Kilowatts field.
- The Metric Horsepower figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Metric Horsepower field converts back to Kilowatts the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Kilowatts to Metric Horsepower formula
To convert kilowatts to metric horsepower, multiply by 1.35962162.
PS = kW × 1.35962162
Why this factor: the kilowatt and the metric horsepower are both defined against the watt, so dividing one definition by the other gives 1.35962162 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 1.35962162 — or use the Metric Horsepower to Kilowatts converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Start with 75 kW. Multiply by 1.35962162 to get 101.971621 PS.
75 kW × 1.35962162 = 101.971621 PS
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 metric horsepower?
Metric horsepower, written PS or CV, is the continental European engine power unit.
Definition: Defined as 75 kilogram-force meters per second, which is exactly 735.49875 watts.
Where it is used: German, French, Italian and Japanese vehicle specifications, where power is quoted in PS, CV or ps.
Worth knowing: About 98.6% of a mechanical horsepower, which is why converted figures never come out as round numbers.
Kilowatts vs Metric Horsepower
The kilowatt and the metric horsepower belong to the same family of units, so converting between them is usually a matter of shifting a decimal point or applying a small whole-number factor.
Frequently asked questions
How many metric horsepower are in a kilowatt?
One kilowatt equals 1.35962162 metric horsepower.
What is the formula to convert kilowatts to metric horsepower?
Multiply the number of kilowatts by 1.35962162. To reverse it, divide by 1.35962162 instead.
How do I convert metric horsepower back to kilowatts?
Divide by 1.35962162, which is the same as multiplying by 0.73549875.
How many metric horsepower are in 10 kilowatts?
10 kW works out to 13.596216 PS.
Is there anything to watch out for with metric horsepower?
About 98.6% of a mechanical horsepower, which is why converted figures never come out as round numbers.
How is the kilowatt defined?
Exactly 1,000 watts.