How to use it
- Under Conversion Direction, choose HP → kW or kW → HP.
- Type the rating in the Value field, for example 200 for a 200 HP engine.
- Read both results: Horsepower and Kilowatts are shown together.
- Use the table below for common engine sizes, or Share and Email to send the result.
The formula
Kilowatts = HP Ă— 0.7457. HP = kilowatts Ă· 0.7457. This tool uses mechanical (imperial) horsepower. Metric horsepower (PS or CV) is slightly smaller, at 0.7355 kW, so a catalogue in PS will not match exactly.
Reading a machine rating
Engine makers often list gross power, net power at the flywheel and rated power at a specific rpm, and the three differ. Compare like with like, and take the figure from the data plate or the manufacturer’s sheet. The same engine shown in kW and in HP in different brochures is normally the same rating, not two different engines.
kW versus kVA for generators
A generator’s electrical output is in kVA or kW, and its engine in HP or kW. kW = kVA × power factor, and a power factor of 0.8 is the usual assumption, so a 500 kVA set is rated about 400 kW. Do not mix the engine kW with the generator’s electrical kVA. In summer heat above 40 °C, expect engines and gensets to deliver less than their nameplate, so ask the supplier for the derated output.
Worked examples
- A 200 HP excavator engine is rated 149.14 kW.
- A 1,500 HP engine, such as one driving a large generator, is 1,118.55 kW.
- A 75 HP air compressor motor is 55.928 kW.
- A 150 kW wheel loader engine is 201.153 hp.
HP to kW table
Printable chart| Horsepower (HP) | Kilowatts (kW) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 37.285 kW |
| 75 | 55.928 kW |
| 100 | 74.57 kW |
| 150 | 111.855 kW |
| 200 | 149.14 kW |
| 250 | 186.425 kW |
| 300 | 223.71 kW |
| 400 | 298.28 kW |
| 500 | 372.85 kW |
| 750 | 559.275 kW |
| 1,000 | 745.7 kW |
| 1,500 | 1,118.55 kW |
| 2,000 | 1,491.4 kW |
Values use mechanical horsepower: 1 HP = 0.7457 kW.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert HP to kW?
Multiply the horsepower by 0.7457. Enter the value above or look for the nearest size in the table.
How many kW is 1500 HP?
Multiply 1,500 by 0.7457, or read it from the table above. Engines of this size power large generators and mining machines.
How do I convert kW to HP?
Divide the kilowatts by 0.7457, which is the same as multiplying by about 1.341. Choose kW → HP in the calculator.
Is this metric horsepower (PS) or mechanical HP?
Mechanical HP (0.7457 kW). Metric horsepower is about 0.7355 kW, so figures in PS or CV come out a little different.
Can I use this for generators?
Yes for the engine’s power. The generator’s electrical rating is in kVA or kW, linked by the power factor, usually 0.8.
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<iframe src="https://www.equipmentsfinder.com/embed/field-tools/hp-to-kw" title="HP to kW converter" width="100%" height="620" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font-size:12px"><a href="https://www.equipmentsfinder.com/en-us/field-tools/hp-to-kw">HP to kW converter</a> by <a href="https://www.equipmentsfinder.com">EquipmentsFinder</a></p>