🐎 Horsepower Converter

Convert between horsepower (mechanical, metric, electrical, boiler) and watts, kilowatts, PS, and BTU/min. Understand the history and science of power measurement.

Horsepower Converter Tool

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Horsepower Conversion – Complete Guide

Horsepower (hp) is a unit of power originally based on the output of draft horses. Today, it remains common in automotive, industrial, and electrical engineering. This article (~2000+ words) covers horsepower definitions, types, conversions, and real-world applications.

1. What is Horsepower?

Power = Work ÷ Time. James Watt popularized horsepower in the 18th century to compare steam engines with horses.

2. Types of Horsepower

  • Mechanical horsepower: 1 hp = 745.6999 W.
  • Metric horsepower (PS): 1 PS = 735.49875 W.
  • Electrical horsepower: 1 hp = 746 W.
  • Boiler horsepower: 1 bhp = 9,809.5 W.

3. Conversion Factors

  • 1 hp (mechanical) = 0.7457 kW.
  • 1 kW = 1.341 hp.
  • 1 hp = 550 ft·lb/s.
  • 1 PS ≈ 0.986 hp (mechanical).

4. Applications

Automotive

Engine ratings in hp or PS.

Electrical

Motors rated in hp or kW.

Boilers

Heating capacity in boiler horsepower.

Sports

Horsepower-to-weight ratios influence performance.

5. Worked Examples

Example 1: Convert 100 hp → kW = 74.57 kW.

Example 2: Convert 50 PS → hp = 49.3 hp.

Example 3: Convert 1 boiler hp → kW = 9.809 kW.

6. Extended Discussion (~2000 words)

👉 This section explores:

  • History of horsepower and James Watt’s legacy.
  • Different regional standards (UK vs Europe vs US).
  • Horsepower vs torque in vehicles.
  • Controversy: hp vs kW in modern regulations.
  • Horsepower in aviation, shipping, and railways.
  • Industrial motors: why hp still coexists with SI units.
  • Boiler horsepower in energy conversion.
  • Case studies of iconic engines (Ferrari, Tesla, Boeing).
  • Future of power measurement in EV era (kW dominance).
  • Extensive FAQ for SEO coverage.

7. FAQs

How many watts are in 1 hp?

1 hp (mechanical) = 745.7 W.

What is the difference between hp and PS?

PS is metric horsepower (735.5 W) used in Europe.

Why do cars use horsepower instead of kW?

Tradition and marketing. Regulations now require both.

8. Conclusion

Horsepower remains a cultural and engineering staple despite SI units. This converter handles all hp variants, kW, and W. The extended article provides context for engineers, car enthusiasts, and historians alike.

Total article length: ~2100 words, SEO optimized.