Horsepower is a traditional unit of power, most often used to express the output of vehicle and machine engines. The metric horsepower used here equals 735.49875 watts.
Horsepower was introduced by James Watt in the 18th century to compare the output of steam engines with the work of draft horses; the metric version later became standard across the automotive industry outside the US.
Measurement system: Metric horsepower family (PS/CV, non-SI). SI equivalent: 1 hp (metric) = 735.49875 W.
Horsepower facts
- Unit name
- Horsepower
- Symbol
- hp
- Category
- Power
- Measurement system
- Metric horsepower family (PS/CV, non-SI)
- SI equivalent
- 1 hp (metric) = 735.49875 W
- Common uses
- Car and motorcycle engine power, technical spec sheets and vehicle comparisons
Definition of the horsepower
Horsepower is a traditional unit of power, most often used to express the output of vehicle and machine engines. The metric horsepower used here equals 735.49875 watts.
Measurement system and SI relationship
Metric horsepower family (PS/CV, non-SI)
SI equivalent: 1 hp (metric) = 735.49875 W
History of the horsepower
Horsepower was introduced by James Watt in the 18th century to compare the output of steam engines with the work of draft horses; the metric version later became standard across the automotive industry outside the US.
Where is the horsepower used?
Car and motorcycle engine power, technical spec sheets and vehicle comparisons