Horsepower Converter
Convert Horsepower to Kilowatt and more • 80 conversions
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Unit Explanations
Horsepowerhp
Source UnitHorsepower is a unit of measurement for power, which quantifies the rate at which work is done. It is traditionally used to express the power output of engines or motors. One horsepower is defined as the power needed to lift 550 pounds one foot in one second, equivalent to 745.7 watts in the SI system. The term was originally formulated to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses, which were a primary source of industrial power in the 18th century.
Current Use
Horsepower remains a common unit of power measurement in the automotive industry, where it is used to specify the power output of engines. It is also used in various other industries, such as those involving pumps, turbines, and electric motors. Despite the widespread adoption of the watt as the SI unit of power, horsepower is still frequently used in non-SI contexts, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Fun Fact
James Watt's first estimate of horsepower was based on the power of a brewery horse.
KilowattkW
Target UnitA kilowatt is a unit of power that is equivalent to 1,000 watts. It is widely used to measure the rate at which energy is used or generated. The kilowatt is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is often used for expressing the output power of engines and the power consumption of electric appliances. In the context of electrical power, one kilowatt is equal to the energy conversion or transfer of one thousand joules per second. It is a commonly used unit in many areas, including electrical engineering, physics, and everyday electricity billing.
Current Use
Today, kilowatts are used worldwide in numerous industries, including electricity generation, automotive, and manufacturing. It serves as a standard measurement for power output and consumption. Electric utilities use kilowatts to bill residential and commercial customers. The kilowatt also plays a crucial role in energy efficiency discussions as it allows for the comparison of the power consumption of various devices and systems.
Fun Fact
A single kilowatt can power ten 100-watt light bulbs.
Convert Horsepower to Kilowatt (hp to kW)
Convert Horsepower (hp) to Kilowatts (kW). Essential for understanding engine power ratings across different measurement systems, especially in automotive and industrial applications.
To convert mechanical horsepower to kilowatts, multiply the power value by 0.7457. For example, 100 hp × 0.7457 = 74.57 kW. This uses the mechanical horsepower definition (550 ft·lbf/s).
Horsepower (hp)
Definition
Horsepower is a unit of power originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. One mechanical horsepower equals approximately 745.7 watts.
Origins & History
Coined by engineer James Watt in the late 18th century to market his steam engines. He determined that a horse could turn a mill wheel 144 times per hour, moving 180 pounds, which he calculated as 33,000 foot-pounds per minute.
Kilowatt (kW)
Definition
The kilowatt is a unit of power equal to 1000 watts. It is commonly used for larger power measurements such as electrical appliances and vehicle engines.
Origins & History
Derived from the watt, named after James Watt. Became common with electrical power systems.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Horsepower
power • Non-SI
Definition
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, which quantifies the rate at which work is done. It is traditionally used to express the power output of engines or motors. One horsepower is defined as the power needed to lift 550 pounds one foot in one second, equivalent to 745.7 watts in the SI system. The term was originally formulated to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses, which were a primary source of industrial power in the 18th century.
History & Origin
The concept of horsepower was introduced in the late 18th century by the Scottish engineer James Watt to help market his steam engines. Watt observed the performance of horses in coal mines and estimated that a horse could turn a mill wheel of a certain size at a certain speed. This observation led him to define one horsepower as the ability to lift 550 pounds one foot in one second. Watt's definition was widely adopted and became a standard measure of engine power.
Etymology: The term 'horsepower' combines 'horse' with 'power', reflecting its origin as a measure of mechanical power compared to the power of a horse.
Current Use
Horsepower remains a common unit of power measurement in the automotive industry, where it is used to specify the power output of engines. It is also used in various other industries, such as those involving pumps, turbines, and electric motors. Despite the widespread adoption of the watt as the SI unit of power, horsepower is still frequently used in non-SI contexts, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
💡 Fun Facts
- •James Watt's first estimate of horsepower was based on the power of a brewery horse.
- •The term 'horsepower' helped sell steam engines, as people could relate to the power of horses.
- •Despite the metric system's dominance, horsepower is still widely used in the automotive industry.
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Kilowatt
power • SI Unit
Definition
A kilowatt is a unit of power that is equivalent to 1,000 watts. It is widely used to measure the rate at which energy is used or generated. The kilowatt is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is often used for expressing the output power of engines and the power consumption of electric appliances. In the context of electrical power, one kilowatt is equal to the energy conversion or transfer of one thousand joules per second. It is a commonly used unit in many areas, including electrical engineering, physics, and everyday electricity billing.
History & Origin
The concept of the kilowatt emerged as technology evolved and the need for measuring power became more prevalent. The kilowatt was officially adopted as part of the International System of Units in 1960. It originates from the watt, named after James Watt, a Scottish inventor who made significant improvements to the steam engine in the 18th century. The kilowatt thus became a convenient way to express power on a larger scale, particularly as electrical power generation and consumption expanded.
Etymology: The term 'kilowatt' combines the prefix 'kilo-', meaning a thousand, with 'watt', the SI unit of power named after James Watt.
Current Use
Today, kilowatts are used worldwide in numerous industries, including electricity generation, automotive, and manufacturing. It serves as a standard measurement for power output and consumption. Electric utilities use kilowatts to bill residential and commercial customers. The kilowatt also plays a crucial role in energy efficiency discussions as it allows for the comparison of the power consumption of various devices and systems.
💡 Fun Facts
- •A single kilowatt can power ten 100-watt light bulbs.
- •The average U.S. household consumes about 30 kilowatt-hours per day.
- •One kilowatt is roughly equivalent to 1.34 horsepower.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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