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Power Converter

Convert Watts, Horsepower, kW

Power Conversion Made Simple: Watts, Horsepower, and More

Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It is the engine of our modern world, literally and figuratively. From the horsepower of a sports car engine to the wattage of a kitchen microwave, we encounter power ratings every day. However, the units used to measure power vary wildly depending on the industry and the region. Our Power Converter is the ultimate tool to translate between these units, handling Watts, Kilowatts, Horsepower, BTUs, and more with precision.

Whether you are an electrical engineer sizing a generator, a car enthusiast comparing engine specs, or a homeowner trying to understand your HVAC system's capacity, this tool makes the math effortless.

The Units of Power: A Quick Guide

1. The Watt (W) and Kilowatt (kW)

The Watt is the SI unit of power, named after James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine. One Watt is defined as one Joule per second. It is the standard for electrical appliances. For larger systems like engines or home energy usage, we use the Kilowatt (kW), which equals 1,000 Watts.

2. Horsepower (hp)

Horsepower is a legacy unit originally coined by James Watt to compare the power of steam engines to draft horses.

  • Imperial Horsepower (hp): Used in the US and UK. Equal to approximately 745.7 Watts.
  • Metric Horsepower (ps): Used in Europe and Asia. Equal to approximately 735.5 Watts.

Our calculator distinguishes between these two to ensure your automotive comparisons are accurate.

3. BTU per Hour (BTU/h)

While BTU is a unit of energy, BTU per hour is a unit of power. It is the standard for heating and cooling systems (ACs, furnaces, grills). Converting BTU/h to Watts helps you understand the electrical load of these appliances.

Real-World Power Examples

  • Human Power: An elite cyclist can sustain about 400 Watts of power for an hour. A typical person might sustain 100-150 Watts.
  • Cars: A typical compact car might have 100-150 hp (75-110 kW). A high-performance sports car could have over 500 hp (370+ kW).
  • Lightbulbs: Old incandescent bulbs used 60W or 100W. Modern LEDs produce the same light with just 9W or 15W.
  • Power Plants: Large power stations are measured in Megawatts (MW). A typical nuclear plant might produce 1,000 MW (1 Gigawatt).

How to Convert Power Units

Here are the key conversion factors you need to know:

  • 1 hp (Imperial) ≈ 0.746 kW
  • 1 kW ≈ 1.34 hp (Imperial)
  • 1 kW = 1000 Watts
  • 1 Watt ≈ 3.41 BTU/h

For example, to convert a 5 kW generator to horsepower: 5 × 1.34 = 6.7 hp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Brake Horsepower (bhp) different from Horsepower (hp)?

Technically, yes. Brake Horsepower refers to the power measured at the engine's crankshaft (before losses in the gearbox), while "hp" is a general unit. However, for conversion purposes, 1 bhp is usually treated as equal to 1 imperial hp.

Why do electric cars use kW instead of hp?

Electric motors are natively rated in Kilowatts because they run on electricity. However, to make them comparable to gas cars for consumers, manufacturers often advertise the horsepower equivalent.

What is "PMPO" in speakers?

PMPO (Peak Music Power Output) is a marketing term often used for speakers. It represents a theoretical maximum burst of power and is much higher than the actual continuous power (RMS). Always look for RMS (Root Mean Square) watts for a true measure of audio power.

Can I convert Amps to Watts?

Not directly. You need to know the Voltage. The formula is Watts = Volts × Amps. Without knowing the voltage, you cannot convert current (Amps) to power (Watts).

what is Power Converter

Translate power ratings between different systems. Convert Watts, Kilowatts, Megawatts, Horsepower (both Imperial and Metric), and BTU/hour. Essential for automotive enthusiasts, electrical engineers, and HVAC professionals.

Key Benefits:

  • Distinguishes between Imperial and Metric Horsepower
  • Converts HVAC units (BTU/h) to electrical units (Watts)
  • Supports large scale units like Megawatts
  • Instant and precise
  • Helps compare engine and appliance specs

Frequently Asked Questions

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