Free tool

kW to HP Calculator

Convert kilowatts to horsepower (hp) and back. Type the power in one field and the other fills in automatically.

Enter power in kW or in hp to convert.

How much is 1 kW in horsepower

1 kW is about 1.341 hp. The exact factor is 1 kW = 1.341 hp (mechanical horsepower, the US "hp"). The other way around: 1 hp = 0.7457 kW. That is why the power figure on a European spec sheet (given in kW) always looks lower than the horsepower number in the brochure.

hp = kW × 1.341  |  kW = hp × 0.7457

Metric hp vs mechanical hp

There are two horsepower units. US and UK figures use mechanical (imperial) horsepower, where 1 kW = 1.341 hp. Continental Europe often quotes metric horsepower (PS or CV), where 1 kW = 1.360 PS. The difference is small, about 1.5 percent, but it explains why the same engine can be listed as 268 hp in one market and 272 PS in another.

Popular kW to HP conversions

kWhp (horsepower)
50 kW67 hp
60 kW80 hp
74 kW99 hp
88 kW118 hp
100 kW134 hp
110 kW148 hp
125 kW168 hp
135 kW181 hp
150 kW201 hp
162 kW217 hp
180 kW241 hp
200 kW268 hp
224 kW300 hp
250 kW335 hp
300 kW402 hp
373 kW500 hp
450 kW603 hp

Engine power and buying a used car

Power is not everything. On a used car it matters more whether the engine is healthy and whether the output was "boosted" by a botched tune. Before you buy, check the history and condition with the MotoPPI app. See also what to watch for across engine types in gas, diesel, hybrid or electric and our full guide on how to inspect a used car.

Frequently asked questions

How much is 1 kW in hp?

About 1.341 hp (mechanical horsepower). Exactly: 1 kW = 1.341 hp.

What is 150 kW in hp?

150 kW is about 201 hp (150 × 1.341 = 201.2).

How do I convert hp to kW?

Divide hp by 1.341 or multiply by 0.7457. Example: 200 hp is about 149 kW.