Kilowatts (kW) to Metric horsepower (PS) Conversion
Kilowatts
The kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power equal to exactly 1,000 watts and is the practical unit for household appliances, vehicle engines, and small industrial machinery. Electric kettles typically consume 2–3 kW; domestic air conditioners run at 1–5 kW; EV charging stations provide 7–22 kW for home use. Engine power in electric vehicles is specified in kilowatts globally, replacing the horsepower in official EU vehicle type approval documentation.
Metric horsepower
Metric horsepower (PS, from German Pferdestärke; CV in French, Spanish, and Portuguese) is a unit of power equal to exactly 735.49875 watts — approximately 1.4% less than the US mechanical horsepower (745.7 W). It is the standard for vehicle engine power ratings in continental Europe, and appears in EU type approval certificates. A car rated at 200 PS produces 147.1 kW, while a car rated at 200 US hp produces 149.1 kW — a distinction that matters in precise international performance comparisons.
| Kilowatts (kW) | Metric horsepower (PS) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 kW | 0.136 PS |
| 1 kW | 1.3596 PS |
| 2 kW | 2.7192 PS |
| 3 kW | 4.0789 PS |
| 5 kW | 6.7981 PS |
| 10 kW | 13.5962 PS |
| 20 kW | 27.1924 PS |
| 30 kW | 40.7886 PS |
| 50 kW | 67.9811 PS |
| 100 kW | 135.9622 PS |
| 1000 kW | 1,359.6216 PS |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many metric horsepower are in 1 kilowatts?
1 kilowatts (kW) is exactly 1.3596 metric horsepower (PS).
How do I convert kilowatts to metric horsepower?
Multiply the value in kilowatts by 1.3596 to get the result in metric horsepower. Or use the converter above — type any number and see the result instantly.