Horsepower (metric) Converter
Convert metric horsepower (PS) to all other power units
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Horsepower (metric) Conversions for 1 hp (metric)
Common Horsepower (metric) Conversions
About Horsepower (metric) - PS
The metric horsepower (Pferdestärke - PS, cheval-vapeur - CV) is a unit of power. It is defined as 75 kilogram-force meters per second. One metric horsepower is approximately equal to 735.49875 watts.
Historical Context
Metric horsepower was developed in Germany and other parts of Europe as an approximation of the imperial mechanical horsepower, but defined using metric units. It was intended to represent the power an average horse could sustain. While the watt is the SI unit of power, metric horsepower is still commonly used, especially in the automotive industry in Europe, South America, and Japan to describe engine power.
Distinction from Other Horsepower
- Mechanical Horsepower (hp(I)): Approximately 745.7 watts. Used primarily in the US and UK. 1 metric hp ≈ 0.98632 mechanical hp.
- Boiler Horsepower (hp(S)): Used for steam boilers, approximately 9809.5 watts.
- Electric Horsepower (hp(E)): Used for electric motors, exactly 746 watts.
Common Applications
Metric horsepower (PS) is primarily used for:
- Rating the power output of automobile and motorcycle engines.
- Sometimes used for other machinery and engines in regions where it is prevalent.
Common Equivalents
- 1 metric horsepower (PS) = 735.49875 watts (W)
- 1 metric horsepower (PS) ≈ 0.7355 kilowatts (kW)
- 1 metric horsepower (PS) ≈ 0.98632 mechanical horsepower (hp(I))
- 1 metric horsepower (PS) ≈ 542.492 foot-pounds force per second (ft·lbf/s)
Reference Points
To help visualize metric horsepower:
- A small car might have an engine producing 70-120 PS.
- A high-performance sports car could have an engine producing 300-700 PS or more.
- A small motorcycle might have 10-30 PS.