How the power conversion works
We convert everything to watts first, then to your target unit. That guarantees consistency between mechanical hp, metric hp, BTU/hr and tons.
W = value × factorToW[sourceUnit]
target = W ÷ factorToW[targetUnit]
Example: 5 hp (mechanical) → kW:
5 × 745.6998716 = 3728.499358 W
3728.499358 ÷ 1000 = 3.7285 kW
Notes on horsepower
Mechanical hp is common in the US automotive world (550 ft·lbf/s). Metric hp (PS) is common in Europe. They’re close, but for engineering you should pick the right one.
Why BTU/hr and tons?
HVAC equipment is often rated in BTU/hr or refrigeration tons, and electrical engineers want the same value in watts or kW to size supplies. 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr = 3.51685284 kW, so you can jump between these ratings easily.
FAQ
1. Can I convert MW to hp?
Yes: MW → W → hp. This tool does it automatically.
2. Why not VA/kVA?
VA and kVA are apparent power and depend on power factor. This page focuses on real power. If you need VA/kVA, you must also specify power factor.
3. How many BTU/hr is 1 kW?
1 kW ≈ 3,412.142 BTU/hr, as shown in the quick table above.