Popular conversions
4 pairsKilowatt ↔ Watt
kW ↔ W
Kilowatt ↔ Horsepower
kW ↔ hp
Megawatt ↔ Kilowatt
MW ↔ kW
Horsepower (Mechanical) ↔ Horsepower
HP ↔ hp
Unit guides
5 unitsDetailed guide to this category
Power measures the rate at which energy is transferred or used, distinct from energy itself (see the separate Energy category).
This category groups practical power conversions for engines, electrical equipment and generation capacity.
- Physical quantity
- Power
- SI unit
- Watt
- SI symbol
- W
- Common non-SI unit
- Horsepower
- Typical use
- Engine and equipment power rating
What is power?
Power is the rate at which energy is transferred or converted, expressed as energy per unit of time.
It is used to rate engines, motors, generators, electrical devices and power plants.
Watts, kilowatts, megawatts and horsepower
The watt is the SI unit of power. Kilowatts and megawatts scale it up for equipment and power plant capacity.
Horsepower is a traditional non-SI unit still common in the automotive industry; metric horsepower (PS/CV) and mechanical horsepower (HP) differ slightly in value.
Units
| Unit | Symbol | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Watt | W | View unit guide |
| Kilowatt | kW | View unit guide |
| Horsepower | hp | View unit guide |
| Megawatt | MW | View unit guide |
| Horsepower (Mechanical) | HP | View unit guide |
Sources
The definitions and conversion relationships on this page are aligned with standard metrology and SI reference material.