Convert Metric Horsepower to Kilowatt (PS → kW)

Converting metric horsepower to kilowatts is straightforward: multiply by the conversion factor. Follow these three steps to do it by hand or in your head.

1. 1
   Take your value in metric horsepower

   Start with the number of metric horsepower (PS) you want to convert.
2. 2
   Multiply by 0.735499

   The conversion factor from PS to kW is 0.735499. Multiply your value by this number.
3. 3
   Read the result in kilowatts

   The result is your value in kilowatts (kW).

Multiply the value in metric horsepower by 0.735499. For the reverse direction, multiply by 1.359622.

• ✓1 PS = 735.5 W = 0.9863 hp.
• ✓PS is ~1.4% smaller than mechanical hp.
• ✓Look for "PS" in German car brochures; "ch" in French.

• ✗Treating PS and hp as equal — 1.4% off.
• ✗Using PS in US markets — unfamiliar to consumers.
• ✗Mixing PS and kW without conversion.

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

What is the Kilowatt?

The kilowatt equals 1,000 watts and is the standard power rating for European cars, household appliances, and small industrial motors. European car engines are rated in kW (a typical economy car has 70–110 kW, a sports car 200–500 kW), even though horsepower is often quoted alongside for marketing. Major household appliances range from 1–3 kW (electric kettle, microwave) to 5–10 kW (electric oven, central air conditioning). Solar panel arrays for homes are sized in kW (typical residential system: 5–10 kW). Electric motors in industry are commonly rated 1 to 500 kW. The kilowatt relates to the watt (1,000 W = 1 kW), the megawatt (1,000 kW = 1 MW), horsepower (1 kW ≈ 1.341 hp), the BTU per hour (1 kW ≈ 3,412 BTU/h), and the kWh of energy when multiplied by hours.

• Car and motorcycle engine ratings (Europe)
• Home electrical service sizing
• HVAC and heating-pump capacity