kW to Metric HP Converter (kW ⇄ PS)

Convert kilowatts (kW) to metric horsepower (PS, CV) and back in one click. Also see the difference vs mechanical horsepower (hp).

Kilowatts ⇄ Metric Horsepower Calculator

You can type either kW or W; the other will update automatically.

Mechanical hp is shown for comparison; the main conversion is kW ⇄ metric HP.

Quick kW to Metric HP Table

kW Metric HP (PS) Mechanical HP (hp)

How to convert kW to metric horsepower

Metric horsepower (often written as PS, CV, or hk) is a non‑SI unit of power that is still widely used in automotive specifications and dyno charts. The official SI unit of power is the kilowatt (kW).

Exact definitions

  • 1 metric horsepower (PS) = 735.49875 W
  • 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1000 W

Conversion factors

  • 1 kW = 1.3596216173 metric HP
  • 1 metric HP = 0.73549875 kW

Formula: kW to metric HP

Let \(P_{kW}\) be power in kilowatts and \(P_{PS}\) be power in metric horsepower.

\[ P_{PS} = P_{kW} \times 1.3596216173 \]

Formula: metric HP to kW

\[ P_{kW} = P_{PS} \times 0.73549875 \]

Example: 100 kW car to metric horsepower

Suppose a car engine is rated at 100 kW. To convert to metric horsepower:

\[ P_{PS} = 100 \times 1.3596216173 \approx 135.96 \text{ PS} \]

So a 100 kW engine is roughly 136 metric horsepower.

Metric HP vs mechanical HP (imperial)

Many sites and brochures simply write “hp” without specifying whether it is metric or mechanical (imperial) horsepower. They are close but not identical:

  • 1 metric HP (PS) = 735.49875 W
  • 1 mechanical HP (hp) = 745.69987158227022 W

Therefore:
1 kW ≈ 1.3596 metric HP, but only ≈ 1.3410 mechanical HP.

For car power ratings in Europe and many other regions, metric horsepower is usually intended. In North America and the UK, mechanical horsepower is more common.

Common kW to metric HP conversions

  • 50 kW ≈ 68.0 PS
  • 75 kW ≈ 102.0 PS
  • 100 kW ≈ 136.0 PS
  • 150 kW ≈ 204.0 PS
  • 200 kW ≈ 272.0 PS

FAQ

How do you convert kW to metric horsepower?

Multiply the power in kilowatts by 1.3596216173: \[ \text{metric HP} = \text{kW} \times 1.3596216173 \] The calculator above does this instantly and also shows the equivalent mechanical horsepower.

How many kW is 1 metric horsepower?

1 metric horsepower (PS) is defined as 735.49875 W, which is 0.73549875 kW.

Why do some car specs show both kW and PS?

Regulations and technical documents often require kW because it is the SI unit, while marketing materials and enthusiasts still like to use PS / hp. Showing both makes it easier to compare across regions and standards.

Is metric horsepower still used today?

Yes. Metric horsepower is still widely used in Europe and parts of Asia in brochures, dyno charts, and regulations. However, engineering calculations and emissions standards are typically based on kilowatts.