Power Unit Converter
Convert between Watts (W), Kilowatts (kW), Mechanical Horsepower (hp), Metric PS, BTUs/hr, and refrigeration tons in real time.
All Equivalent Power Ratings
What is Power?
Power measures the rate at which work is performed or energy is converted over time (P = Work / Time). While physics uses the standard SI unit of Watts (1 Watt = 1 Joule per second), mechanical engineering and the automotive industry widely rely on horsepower, while heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems utilize BTUs per hour and refrigeration tons.
Standard Power Unit Conversion Multipliers
| Unit | Equivalent in Watts (W) | Equivalent in Horsepower (hp) | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Kilowatt (kW) | 1,000 W | 1.34102 hp | EVs, generators, home solar |
| 1 Horsepower (hp) | 745.70 W | 1.00000 hp | Automotive combustion engines |
| 1 Metric HP (PS) | 735.50 W | 0.98632 hp | European vehicle DIN ratings |
| 1 BTU / hr | 0.29307 W | 0.000393 hp | Heaters, stoves, furnaces |
| 1 Ton of Ref. (TR) | 3,516.85 W | 4.71618 hp | Commercial HVAC chillers |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Watts are in one horsepower?
One mechanical horsepower equals approximately 745.7 Watts. In metric countries, metric horsepower (PS or cv) is defined as exactly 735.49875 Watts.
How do you convert Kilowatts to Horsepower?
Multiply kilowatts by 1.34102. For example, a 150 kW electric car motor produces 150 × 1.34102 = 201.15 horsepower.
What size air conditioner does 12,000 BTU equal?
12,000 BTU/hr equals exactly 1 ton of refrigeration capacity (approx. 3.517 kW), which typically cools a room of 450 to 550 square feet.