Converter

The Definitive Guide to Power Units

Power is defined as the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. In our daily lives, we encounter power ratings everywhere: from the light bulbs in our homes (Watts) to the engines in our cars (Horsepower). Our converter helps you make sense of these different units instantly.

What is a Watt (W)?

Named after the Scottish engineer James Watt, the Watt is the standard unit of power in the International System of Units (SI).

Definition: One Watt is defined as one Joule per second.
Application: It is universally used to measure electrical power (e.g., a 60W light bulb) and mechanical power in scientific contexts.
Kilowatt (kW): Equal to 1,000 Watts. This is the standard unit for measuring the power output of electric motors and the energy consumption of households.

The Story of Horsepower (hp)

Why do we measure car engines in "horses"? The term was coined by James Watt in the late 18th century to market his steam engines. He needed a way to compare the power of his engine to the work done by draft horses, which were the main source of industrial power at the time.

There are two types of Horsepower:

Mechanical Horsepower (Imperial hp): Used in the US and UK.
1 hp ≈ 745.7 Watts.
Metric Horsepower (PS, cv, ch): Used in Europe and Asia.
1 PS ≈ 735.5 Watts.

*Our converter uses the standard Mechanical Horsepower (745.7 W).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many Watts in 1 Horsepower?

There are approximately 746 Watts in one Mechanical Horsepower. So, a 1-horsepower motor uses about the same amount of power as a standard microwave oven.

What is BHP (Brake Horsepower)?

Brake Horsepower measures the power of an engine without any load (like the gearbox, alternator, or water pump). It is the raw power output of the engine block itself and is always higher than the "Wheel Horsepower" (WHP) that actually reaches the road.