Watt Converter
Convert Watt to Horsepower 550 Ft Lbf S and more • 80 conversions
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Unit Explanations
WattW
Source UnitThe watt (symbol: W) is the SI unit of power, defined as the rate of energy transfer equivalent to one joule per second. It measures the amount of energy conversion or transfer that occurs per unit time. In practical terms, it quantifies the rate at which work is done or energy is consumed. The watt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it is used extensively in various fields such as electricity, mechanics, and thermodynamics to quantify power output or consumption.
Current Use
The watt is widely used across the globe to measure electrical power, mechanical power, and heat transfer. It serves as a fundamental unit in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, and many applied sciences. It is crucial for calculating energy consumption in households, industries, and for determining the power output of engines and machinery.
Fun Fact
One watt is equivalent to 1/746th of a horsepower.
Horsepowerhp
Target UnitHorsepower (hp) is a unit of power in the Imperial system, defined as the ability to do work over time. One horsepower is equivalent to 550 foot-pounds per second, or about 746 watts. It was originally developed to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. The definition reflects the energy transfer that can be performed in a given time, making it a crucial measure in various mechanical contexts, particularly in automotive and engineering applications.
Current Use
Horsepower is widely used today in the automotive industry to describe the power output of engines, as well as in various mechanical systems. It serves as a benchmark for understanding the performance capabilities of vehicles and machinery. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom commonly use horsepower in specifications, while other countries may use kilowatts. Applications extend to lawn equipment, industrial machines, and even household appliances, highlighting the unit's versatility.
Fun Fact
The term 'horsepower' was developed to help market steam engines by comparing their power to that of horses.
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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.
Watt
power • SI Unit
Definition
The watt (symbol: W) is the SI unit of power, defined as the rate of energy transfer equivalent to one joule per second. It measures the amount of energy conversion or transfer that occurs per unit time. In practical terms, it quantifies the rate at which work is done or energy is consumed. The watt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it is used extensively in various fields such as electricity, mechanics, and thermodynamics to quantify power output or consumption.
History & Origin
The watt is named after James Watt, a Scottish engineer and inventor whose improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution. The unit was introduced to provide a consistent measure of power, reflecting Watt's contributions to power engineering.
Etymology: Named after James Watt, a pioneer in steam engine development.
Current Use
The watt is widely used across the globe to measure electrical power, mechanical power, and heat transfer. It serves as a fundamental unit in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, and many applied sciences. It is crucial for calculating energy consumption in households, industries, and for determining the power output of engines and machinery.
💡 Fun Facts
- •One watt is equivalent to 1/746th of a horsepower.
- •The watt is the power required to lift a small apple one meter in one second.
- •James Watt's improvements to the steam engine greatly increased its efficiency and power output.
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Horsepower
power • Non-SI
Definition
Horsepower (hp) is a unit of power in the Imperial system, defined as the ability to do work over time. One horsepower is equivalent to 550 foot-pounds per second, or about 746 watts. It was originally developed to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. The definition reflects the energy transfer that can be performed in a given time, making it a crucial measure in various mechanical contexts, particularly in automotive and engineering applications.
History & Origin
The term horsepower was coined by engineer James Watt in the late 18th century. Watt sought to market his steam engines by comparing their output to that of draft horses. He calculated that a horse could turn a mill wheel of a certain size at a specific rate, leading to the establishment of the 550 ft lbf/s standard. This innovative marketing strategy helped propel the industrial revolution by making steam power more relatable to potential users.
Etymology: The word 'horsepower' is a compound of 'horse', referring to the animal, and 'power', denoting its capacity to perform work.
Current Use
Horsepower is widely used today in the automotive industry to describe the power output of engines, as well as in various mechanical systems. It serves as a benchmark for understanding the performance capabilities of vehicles and machinery. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom commonly use horsepower in specifications, while other countries may use kilowatts. Applications extend to lawn equipment, industrial machines, and even household appliances, highlighting the unit's versatility.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The term 'horsepower' was developed to help market steam engines by comparing their power to that of horses.
- •The metric horsepower is slightly different, defined as 735.5 watts.
- •In some countries, such as Germany, the term 'PS' (pferdestärke) is used, which translates to 'horsepower' in English.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert to ?▼
To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
What is the formula for to conversion?▼
The formula is: = × 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.
Is this to converter accurate?▼
Yes! MetricConv uses internationally standardized conversion factors from organizations like NIST and ISO. Our calculations support up to 15 decimal places of precision, making it suitable for scientific, engineering, and everyday calculations.
Can I convert back to ?▼
Absolutely! You can use the swap button (⇄) in the converter above to reverse the conversion direction, or visit our to converter.