Horsepower Calculator

Horsepower is a measurement of power, or the rate at which work is done. This calculator can be used to compute horsepower from force, distance, and time, and to convert between different units of power.

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Horsepower from Force, Distance & Time

Force

newton kilonewton pound-force kilogram-force

Distance

meter kilometer mile yard

Time

second minute hour day

Calculate

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Power Unit Converter

Amount

From Watt Kilowatt Mechanical Horsepower Metric Horsepower Electrical Horsepower Boiler Horsepower BTU/h

To Watt Kilowatt Mechanical Horsepower Metric Horsepower Electrical Horsepower Boiler Horsepower BTU/h

Convert

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About Horsepower

Horsepower (hp) is a unit of power measurement developed by engineer James Watt in the late 18th century. It was originally used to compare the power of steam engines to that of draft horses. Today, it is a common unit for rating the power output of engines in vehicles, boats, and other machinery.

Types of Horsepower

• Mechanical Horsepower (hp(I)): The most common definition, equal to 550 foot-pounds per second, or approximately 745.7 watts.
• Metric Horsepower (hp(M)): Approximately 735.5 watts.
• Electrical Horsepower: Used for electrical machines and is defined as exactly 746 watts.
• Boiler Horsepower (hp(S)): Used for steam boiler capacity and is equivalent to 9,809.5 watts.