Power Converter
Convert between watts, kilowatts, megawatts, horsepower, BTU/hr, and other power units instantly.
Result
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All conversions
What is Power Converter?
A power converter lets you switch between units that measure the rate of energy transfer or work done over time. The SI unit is the watt (W), but horsepower is standard in automotive engineering, BTU/hr in HVAC, and metric horsepower (PS) in European vehicle specs. Power conversion is essential when comparing engines, electrical appliances, or heating systems across regions.
How to use
- 1 Enter the power value in the Value field.
- 2 Select the source unit from the From dropdown.
- 3 Select the target unit from the To dropdown.
- 4 The result and a full conversion table appear immediately.
- 5 Use the swap button to reverse the conversion direction.
Formula
Example calculation
A car engine rated at 200 horsepower: 200 hp × 745.7 W/hp = 149,140 W = 149.14 kW. In metric horsepower: 149,140 W / 735.499 W/PS = approximately 202.8 PS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between horsepower and metric horsepower (PS)?
One mechanical horsepower (hp) equals 745.7 watts. One metric horsepower (PS, from the German Pferdestärke) equals 735.499 watts. They differ by about 1.4%. European car specs usually use PS, while US specs use hp.
How many watts are in a kilowatt?
One kilowatt equals exactly 1000 watts. Electrical appliances are typically rated in watts (e.g. a 100 W light bulb) while larger systems like solar panels and EV chargers are rated in kilowatts.
What does BTU/hr measure?
BTU per hour measures the rate at which a heating or cooling system transfers heat energy. It is the standard unit for air conditioner and furnace capacity in the US. One BTU/hr equals approximately 0.293 watts.
How is power different from energy?
Power is the rate of energy use or transfer (measured in watts), while energy is the total amount used over time (measured in joules or kilowatt-hours). Energy = Power × Time. A 1000 W appliance running for 1 hour uses 1 kWh of energy.
What is a gigawatt?
A gigawatt equals one billion watts (1 GW = 10^9 W). Large power plants, including nuclear and coal stations, are typically rated in gigawatts. A single nuclear reactor typically produces about 1 GW of electrical power.