Convert Watts to Metric Horsepower - Power Converter
This tool converts a power value in kilowatts (kW) to metric horsepower (often abbreviated PS), using the established fixed conversion factor between the units. It is intended for engineering, equipment specification, and quick verification tasks where a standard unit-to-unit conversion is required.
The converter returns a numeric equivalent; users should consider measurement uncertainty and the context of the rating (electrical rating versus engine output) before using results for compliance, procurement, or safety reporting.
When high accuracy is required for certification, testing, or regulatory submissions, use calibrated instruments and follow relevant national or international standards cited below for unit definitions and reporting precision.
Governance
Record dac4fcf46bba • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
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Methodology
The conversion uses the internationally recognized relationship between the SI unit kilowatt and the metric horsepower definition. This relationship is a fixed multiplicative factor and does not depend on experimental measurements.
Precision guidance and recommended rounding are provided so results can be reported consistently with engineering documentation. When converting measured power, include measurement uncertainty rather than overstating precision.
References to standards bodies and measurement guidance are provided to support traceability and compliance: see NIST for unit definitions, ISO for quantities and units, and IEEE for electrical measurement practices. Follow workplace safety standards (for example OSHA) when applying power values to equipment operation or labeling.
Worked examples
Example 1: 1 kW → 1 × 1.3596216173064 = 1.359621617 metric hp. Report as 1.36 mhp when rounding to three significant figures.
Example 2: 100 kW → 100 × 1.3596216173064 = 135.96216173064 metric hp. Report as 136.0 mhp when one decimal place is required for equipment nameplates.
F.A.Q.
What is the difference between metric horsepower and mechanical (imperial) horsepower?
Metric horsepower (PS) is defined differently than mechanical (imperial) horsepower. The conversion factor used here is specific to metric horsepower (PS). For mechanical horsepower use the corresponding conversion factor for that horsepower definition.
How many decimal places should I use when reporting converted values?
Choose precision based on context: for quick comparisons 2–3 significant figures are common; for technical specifications or test reports include measurement uncertainty and use the number of decimals justified by instrument accuracy. Avoid presenting more digits than the input measurement supports.
Is this conversion precise enough for certification or legal documents?
The mathematical conversion is exact given the defined factor. However, values derived from physical measurements include instrument uncertainty. For certification or regulatory filings, document measurement method, calibration status, and uncertainty per the relevant standard (for example ISO or IEEE guidance).
When should I use kW instead of horsepower on equipment labels?
Local regulations or industry standards may require one unit or both. Use the unit mandated by jurisdiction or standard; if both are shown, include consistent rounding and a note on measurement conditions. Refer to applicable regulatory guidance for labeling requirements.
Does this converter account for losses or mechanical efficiency?
No. This tool performs a pure unit conversion. To account for losses or efficiency, first calculate the net or gross power using the appropriate efficiency factors, then convert the resulting power value between units.
Sources & citations
- NIST Reference on Units and Symbols — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/units.html
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) - Quantities and units — https://www.iso.org
- IEEE Standards Association - Measurement and Instrumentation Guidance — https://standards.ieee.org
- OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration — https://www.osha.gov
- ISO 80000-4:2019 — Mechanics — https://www.iso.org/standard/64975.html
- NIST SP 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
Further resources
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: dac4fcf46bbaWhat changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-18 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-18 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 18, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-18 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 5d2af6e9c583
