Convert Mechanical Horsepower to Metric Horsepower (hp → PS)
Horsepower is the American and British unit for car engines, motorcycles, and traditional mechanical power ratings.
Mechanical Horsepower to Metric Horsepower Conversion Table
10 common values| Mechanical Horsepower | Metric Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 1 hp | 1.01387 PS |
| 5 hp | 5.069348 PS |
| 10 hp | 10.138697 PS |
| 50 hp | 50.693483 PS |
| 100 hp | 101.38697 PS |
| 500 hp | 506.93483 PS |
| 1,000 hp | 1,013.8697 PS |
| 5,000 hp | 5,069.3483 PS |
| 10,000 hp | 10,138.697 PS |
| 50,000 hp | 50,693.483 PS |
How to Convert Mechanical Horsepower to Metric Horsepower Manually
Step by StepConverting mechanical horsepower to metric horsepower is straightforward: multiply by the conversion factor. Follow these three steps to do it by hand or in your head.
- 1Take your value in mechanical horsepowerStart with the number of mechanical horsepower (hp) you want to convert.
- 2Multiply by 1.01387The conversion factor from hp to PS is 1.01387. Multiply your value by this number.
- 3Read the result in metric horsepowerThe result is your value in metric horsepower (PS).
Formula
Multiply the value in mechanical horsepower by 1.01387. For the reverse direction, multiply by 0.98632.
PS = hp × 1.01387hp = PS × 0.98632Tips
Use these in everyday conversions- 1 hp = 745.7 W = 0.7457 kW.
- US car ads quote hp; European ads quote kW or PS.
- Metric horsepower (PS) differs by ~1.4% — be aware.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these- Assuming hp and PS are identical — 1.4% difference.
- Using horsepower for electrical devices — watts more appropriate.
- Confusing horsepower at engine flywheel vs wheel (transmission losses).
About Mechanical Horsepower and Metric Horsepower
What is the Mechanical Horsepower?
Horsepower (hp) equals exactly 745.6998715822702 watts (mechanical horsepower) and is the American and British unit for car engines, motorcycles, motorboats, and traditional mechanical power ratings. James Watt invented the unit in the 1780s to market his steam engines: he calculated that a brewery horse could continuously turn a mill wheel at 33,000 ft·lb per minute, which became 1 horsepower. American cars typically range from 150 hp (economy) to 700 hp (sports cars), pickup trucks 250–500 hp, and large diesel trucks 400–600 hp. Outside the US, the metric horsepower (PS or CV, equal to 735.5 W — about 1.4% smaller than mechanical hp) is sometimes used. Horsepower relates to the watt (1 hp ≈ 745.7 W), the kilowatt (1 hp ≈ 0.746 kW), and the metric horsepower (1 hp ≈ 1.014 PS). Despite SI's preference for the watt, horsepower remains entrenched in automotive marketing.
- US car and motorcycle engine ratings
- Lawn mower and small engine specs
- US pump and compressor ratings
Base Ford Mustang: ~310 hp. Lawn mower: 5 hp. Average car: 150–200 hp.
What is the Metric Horsepower?
The Pferdestärke (PS), also called metric horsepower or 'cheval vapeur' (CV) in French, equals exactly 735.49875 watts — about 1.4% smaller than mechanical horsepower. Defined as the power needed to lift 75 kg by 1 meter in 1 second under standard gravity, the PS is the European traditional power unit for car engines. German, French, Italian, and Japanese car manufacturers historically rated engines in PS, and the unit persists in marketing — '300 PS' sounds slightly higher than '300 hp' to consumers. EU regulations require power to be specified primarily in kW, with PS allowed as a secondary unit. The PS relates to the watt (1 PS ≈ 735.5 W), the kilowatt (1 PS ≈ 0.7355 kW), and the mechanical horsepower (1 PS ≈ 0.9863 hp). The slight difference between PS and hp is mostly imperceptible in casual use but noticeable in precise engineering specifications.
- European car and motorcycle ratings
- Italian and German engine specs
- Some European industrial equipment
VW Golf GTI: ~245 PS = 180 kW. BMW M3: ~480 PS = 353 kW.