Convert Watts (W) to Horsepower (electric) (hp(E))
1 watt equals 0.00134048 horsepower (electric).
Watt to Horsepower (electric) Converter
What Is a Watt?
The watt (W) is the SI unit of power, defined as 1 joule per second. It measures the rate of energy transfer in electrical circuits, heating systems, and mechanical devices.
What Is Electric Horsepower?
Electric horsepower (hp(E)) is defined as exactly 746 watts (IEEE). It rates electric motors, pumps, and compressors. Do not confuse with mechanical hp (≈ 745.7 W) or metric hp/PS/CV (≈ 735.5 W).
Watts to Electric Horsepower Formula
The conversion is exact:
hp(E) = watts ÷ 746 exact
The inverse of the definition: 1 hp(E) = 746 W exactly.
Worked Example
A motor is rated at 2,238 W. What is its horsepower?
- Divide: 2,238 ÷ 746 = 3 hp
Quick Estimation
Divide watts by 750 for a quick approximation. Example: 2,250 ÷ 750 = 3 hp (actual: 3.02 hp — within 0.7%).
Common Use Cases
- Motor hp ratings: Checking the horsepower of a motor from its wattage label — especially useful for imported equipment labelled in watts or kilowatts.
- Electrical engineering: Sizing circuits for motor loads requires knowing power in both watts and hp.
- Appliance comparison: Comparing power consumption in familiar terms. A 1,500 W space heater ≈ 2 hp puts its energy use in perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts are in 1 horsepower (electric)?
Exactly 746 watts. So 1 kW = 1,000 ÷ 746 = 1.34 hp, and 1 hp = 0.746 kW.
How do I convert kilowatts to horsepower?
Multiply kW by 1.341. Example: a 7.5 kW motor = 7.5 × 1.341 = 10.06 hp ≈ 10 hp. Alternatively, divide watts by 746.
Is a 1 hp motor always 746 watts?
746 watts is the output rating. Due to motor efficiency (typically 80–95%), the input power is higher. A 1 hp motor at 85% efficiency draws about 878 watts from the outlet.
Which horsepower type should I use?
For electric motors: electric hp (746 W). For engines and mechanical systems: mechanical hp (745.7 W). For European cars: metric hp/PS/CV (735.5 W). When in doubt, check the equipment's country of origin and industry.
Common Watt to Horsepower (electric) Conversions
| Watt | Horsepower (electric) | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 watts | 1.34048 horsepower (electric) | |
| 5000 watts | 6.70241 horsepower (electric) | |
| 10000 watts | 13.4048 horsepower (electric) |
Watts to horsepower (electric) Conversion Table
Reference table with common watts to horsepower (electric) conversions. All values calculated with high precision.
Watts to Horsepower (electric) Table
0.1 to 500
Watts to Horsepower (electric) Table
1000 to 1 × 108
Horsepower (electric) to Watts Table
0.0001 to 12
Horsepower (electric) to Watts Table
1 to 100000
Looking for the reverse? Convert Horsepower (electric) to Watt
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- Joules to kWh — Energy = power × time (kWh = kW × hours)
