Conversions

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Power Converter.

Convert power between watts, kilowatts, megawatts, and mechanical horsepower.

On-device calculationNo signup
01

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Results update as you type.

Result: 0.001

Result

0.00000000

Horsepower uses the mechanical definition 1 hp = 745.699872 W.

Use Cases

Compare engine power ratings

When comparing engines or motors, you may see power listed in horsepower or kilowatts. Use this converter to standardize the units for a fair comparison.

Example: Convert 150 hp to kilowatts to compare with an electric motor rated in kW.

Understand electricity consumption

Electricity usage is often measured in kilowatt-hours, but power is in watts or kilowatts. Convert to see the equivalent in horsepower or megawatts for large-scale systems.

Example: Convert 2 megawatts to horsepower to grasp the scale of a small power plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert watts to kilowatts?
To convert watts to kilowatts, divide the number of watts by 1,000. For example, 5,000 watts equals 5 kilowatts. This converter does that calculation instantly.
What is mechanical horsepower?
Mechanical horsepower (hp) is a unit of power equal to 745.7 watts. It is commonly used to rate the output of engines and motors. This converter uses that exact conversion factor.
Can I convert megawatts to horsepower?
Yes, you can. Select 'Megawatts' in the 'Convert from' field and 'Horsepower' in the 'Convert to' field. The converter will apply the conversion factor: 1 megawatt = 1,341.02 horsepower.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Double-check the unit you select in both fields to avoid reversing the conversion.
  • For large numbers, use scientific notation or decimal points for accuracy.
  • Remember that 1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, and 1 megawatt equals 1,000,000 watts.
  • Use the result as an estimate; for precise engineering calculations, consider more significant digits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Confusing mechanical horsepower with metric horsepower (which is 735.5 watts). This converter uses mechanical horsepower.
  • Forgetting to convert between units when comparing power values, leading to incorrect conclusions.
  • Misplacing decimal points when converting between watts and megawatts (e.g., 1 MW = 1,000,000 W, not 1,000 W).

Last updated: August 13, 2026