Power Unit Definitions
Our Power Converter helps you convert between watts, kilowatts, horsepower, and BTUs per hour. Essential for engineers, electricians, and car enthusiasts, this tool provides accurate power conversions for electrical systems, engine performance, HVAC systems, and solar panel output.
Watt (W)
The watt is the SI derived unit of power, named after the Scottish engineer James Watt. One watt equals one joule per second. It is used to measure the rate of energy transfer or conversion.
Kilowatt (kW)
A kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. It is commonly used for measuring the power output of engines, electrical devices, and industrial equipment.
Horsepower (hp)
Horsepower is a unit of power representing the power needed to lift 550 pounds one foot in one second. It is commonly used to rate engines and motors, especially in the automotive industry. One horsepower equals approximately 746 watts.
BTU per Hour (BTU/h)
BTU per hour is a unit of power measuring the rate of energy transfer. It is commonly used in HVAC systems to measure heating and cooling capacity. One BTU per hour equals approximately 0.293 watts and is used for sizing air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps.
Frequently Asked Questions on Power Conversion
Q: How to convert watts to horsepower?
Multiply watts by 0.00134102209. Example: 1,000 watts = 1.34 horsepower. 1 hp = 745.7 watts.
Q: How many watts are in a kilowatt?
1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. Kilowatts are commonly used for electrical power ratings.
Q: What is the difference between horsepower and brake horsepower?
Brake horsepower (BHP) is the power output at the engine. Horsepower (HP) may include transmission losses. 1 BHP ≈ 1.014 HP.
Popular Power Conversions
Common searches: watts to hp | hp to kw | kw to horsepower | horsepower to watts.
Our free online power converter provides instant, accurate results for watts to hp, kW to horsepower, and hp to kW and more. Perfect for automotive, electrical engineering, and mechanical power calculations.