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Conversion Formula:
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Horsepower (HP) and kilowatts (kW) are both units of power measurement. The conversion between them is important in various engineering, automotive, and industrial applications where power specifications may be given in different units.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This conversion factor is based on the mechanical horsepower definition where 1 HP equals 745.699872 watts, approximately 0.746 kilowatts.
Details: Accurate power conversion is essential for equipment specification, energy calculations, international standards compliance, and comparing power outputs across different measurement systems.
Tips: Enter the horsepower value you want to convert. The value must be a positive number. The calculator will instantly provide the equivalent value in kilowatts.
Q1: Why is the conversion factor 0.746?
A: This factor comes from the definition of mechanical horsepower, where 1 HP equals exactly 745.699872 watts, which is approximately 0.746 kilowatts.
Q2: Are there different types of horsepower?
A: Yes, there are several definitions including mechanical horsepower, metric horsepower, and electrical horsepower, each with slightly different conversion factors.
Q3: When is this conversion most commonly used?
A: This conversion is frequently used in automotive industries, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and when comparing engine performances internationally.
Q4: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion using 0.746 is accurate for most practical purposes, though the exact conversion factor is 0.745699872 for mechanical horsepower.
Q5: Can I convert kW back to HP using this calculator?
A: This calculator is designed specifically for HP to kW conversion. To convert kW to HP, you would need to divide by 0.746 instead of multiplying.