Watts to Metric Horsepower
Convert watts to metric horsepower instantly — one watt is 0.00135962 metric horsepower.
| Watts | Metric Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 1 W | 0.00136 PS |
| 2 W | 0.002719 PS |
| 3 W | 0.004079 PS |
| 5 W | 0.006798 PS |
| 10 W | 0.013596 PS |
| 25 W | 0.033991 PS |
| 50 W | 0.067981 PS |
| 100 W | 0.135962 PS |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Watts field.
- The Metric Horsepower figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Metric Horsepower field converts back to Watts the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Watts to Metric Horsepower formula
The factor from watts to metric horsepower is 0.00135962162.
PS = W × 0.00135962162
Why this factor: the watt and the metric horsepower are both defined against the watt, so dividing one definition by the other gives 0.00135962162 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 0.00135962162 — or use the Metric Horsepower to Watts converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Start with 500 W. Multiply by 0.00135962162 to get 0.679811 PS.
500 W × 0.00135962162 = 0.679811 PS
The converter above does this for any value you type, in either direction.
What is a watt?
The watt is the SI unit of power — the rate of one joule of energy per second.
Definition: Defined as 1 J/s. Named after James Watt.
Where it is used: Appliance and light-bulb ratings, audio output, and all scientific power calculations.
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.
Watts vs Metric Horsepower
The watt is an SI unit while the metric horsepower is a metric 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 metric horsepower are in a watt?
One watt equals 0.00135962162 metric horsepower.
What is the formula to convert watts to metric horsepower?
Multiply the number of watts by 0.00135962162. To reverse it, divide by 0.00135962162 instead.
How do I convert metric horsepower back to watts?
Divide by 0.00135962162, which is the same as multiplying by 735.49875.
How many metric horsepower are in 10 watts?
10 W works out to 0.013596 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 watt defined?
Defined as 1 J/s. Named after James Watt.