Convert Metric Horsepower to Megawatt (PS → MW)
The Pferdestärke (PS) is the metric horsepower unit used in European car marketing and engine specifications.
Metric Horsepower to Megawatt Conversion Table
10 common values| Metric Horsepower | Megawatt |
|---|---|
| 1 PS | 0.000735 MW |
| 5 PS | 0.003677 MW |
| 10 PS | 0.007355 MW |
| 50 PS | 0.036775 MW |
| 100 PS | 0.07355 MW |
| 500 PS | 0.367749 MW |
| 1,000 PS | 0.735499 MW |
| 5,000 PS | 3.677494 MW |
| 10,000 PS | 7.354988 MW |
| 50,000 PS | 36.774938 MW |
How to Convert Metric Horsepower to Megawatt Manually
Step by StepConverting metric horsepower to megawatts is straightforward: multiply by the conversion factor. Follow these three steps to do it by hand or in your head.
- 1Take your value in metric horsepowerStart with the number of metric horsepower (PS) you want to convert.
- 2Multiply by 0.000735The conversion factor from PS to MW is 0.000735. Multiply your value by this number.
- 3Read the result in megawattsThe result is your value in megawatts (MW).
Formula
Multiply the value in metric horsepower by 0.000735. For the reverse direction, multiply by 1,359.6216.
MW = PS × 0.000735PS = MW × 1,359.6216Tips
Use these in everyday conversions- 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.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these- Treating PS and hp as equal — 1.4% off.
- Using PS in US markets — unfamiliar to consumers.
- Mixing PS and kW without conversion.
About Metric Horsepower and Megawatt
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.
What is the Megawatt?
The megawatt equals 1,000,000 watts (or 1,000 kW) and rates power plants, large industrial facilities, and grid-scale renewable installations worldwide. A typical natural-gas turbine generates 50–500 MW, a nuclear reactor produces 800–1,600 MW, and the largest hydroelectric plant (Three Gorges Dam in China) has 22,500 MW capacity. Wind turbines are rated 1.5–15 MW each (modern offshore turbines reach 14 MW). Solar farms range from 50 MW (small) to 1,500+ MW (large utility-scale projects). Electric grid demand for entire countries is measured in gigawatts (1 GW = 1,000 MW): the United States peaks at about 750 GW. The megawatt relates to the kilowatt (1,000 kW = 1 MW), the gigawatt (1,000 MW = 1 GW), and the megawatt-hour (when multiplied by time). Electricity wholesale markets bid in MW capacity and MWh energy.
- Power-station electrical output
- Wind and solar farm capacity
- Large industrial electricity consumption
Large wind turbine: 5–15 MW. Nuclear reactor: 1000 MW. London's peak demand: ~6000 MW.