This watt converter translates a power value between watts, kilowatts, megawatts, horsepower, and other power units.
Physics
Watt Converter
Convert power between watts, kilowatts, horsepower, and other units.
Calculator
About this calculator
Formula notes
Units share the watt as their canonical base: 1 kW = 1000 W and 1 mechanical horsepower = 745.6998716 W.
Worked examples
- Example: 1 kW is 1000 W and about 1.34 mechanical horsepower.
- One kilowatt equals 1000 watts and about 1.34 mechanical horsepower.
How to use it
- Enter the power in any supported unit.
- Read the equivalent values in the other units.
- Use horsepower for engines and watts or kilowatts for electrical loads.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mechanical and metric horsepower?
Mechanical (US) horsepower is 745.6998716 W; metric horsepower is 735.49875 W. Pick the field that matches the rating you are converting.
Can I convert very large or very small powers?
Yes. Milliwatts through megawatts and solar luminosities are supported, all through the exact unit definitions.
Limits and interpretation
- Mechanical and metric horsepower differ by definition; choosing the wrong horsepower field shifts the result by several percent.
- The converter handles power only — energy (kWh) or torque conversions are different quantities.