Metric Horsepower to Horsepower
An instant metric horsepower-to-horsepower converter, with the formula and a reference table below.
| Metric Horsepower | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 1 PS | 0.98632 hp |
| 2 PS | 1.97264 hp |
| 3 PS | 2.95896 hp |
| 5 PS | 4.9316 hp |
| 10 PS | 9.863201 hp |
| 25 PS | 24.658002 hp |
| 50 PS | 49.316004 hp |
| 100 PS | 98.632007 hp |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Metric Horsepower field.
- The Horsepower figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Horsepower field converts back to Metric Horsepower the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Metric Horsepower to Horsepower formula
The factor from metric horsepower to horsepower is 0.986320071.
hp = PS × 0.986320071
Why this factor: the metric horsepower and the horsepower are both defined against the watt, so dividing one definition by the other gives 0.986320071 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 0.986320071 — or use the Horsepower to Metric Horsepower converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Take 500 PS and multiply by the factor 0.986320071: the result is 493.160035 hp.
500 PS × 0.986320071 = 493.160035 hp
The converter above does this for any value you type, in either direction.
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.
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.
Metric Horsepower vs Horsepower
The metric horsepower 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 metric horsepower?
One metric horsepower equals 0.986320071 horsepower.
What is the formula to convert metric horsepower to horsepower?
Multiply the number of metric horsepower by 0.986320071. To reverse it, divide by 0.986320071 instead.
How do I convert horsepower back to metric horsepower?
Divide by 0.986320071, which is the same as multiplying by 1.01386967.
How many horsepower are in 10 metric horsepower?
10 PS works out to 9.863201 hp.
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 metric horsepower defined?
Defined as 75 kilogram-force meters per second, which is exactly 735.49875 watts.