Horsepower (hp) to Kilowatt (kW)
In the US, engine power is rated in mechanical horsepower (hp), also called SAE horsepower. One mechanical horsepower equals 0.7457 kilowatts. This is the same unit used in the UK, but differs slightly from the metric horsepower (PS) used in continental Europe.
Frequently asked questions
One mechanical horsepower (SAE hp) equals 0.7457 kilowatts. This is the standard in the US and UK. Metric horsepower (PS or CV), used in continental Europe, is slightly less at 0.7355 kW per unit.
One hundred horsepower is 100 × 0.7457 = 74.57 kW. A typical compact car in the US produces 120–180 hp. The Honda Civic base model, for example, produces 158 hp (117.8 kW).
Two hundred horsepower is 200 × 0.7457 = 149.1 kW. Many mid-size American sedans and crossovers fall in this range. The Toyota Camry 2.5L four-cylinder produces 203 hp (151.4 kW).
Horsepower has been the customary power unit in the US since James Watt popularized it in the 18th century. While the rest of the world has largely adopted kilowatts for official specifications, US consumers and manufacturers continue to use hp because it is deeply embedded in automotive culture and marketing.