Watts to Metric Horsepower Converter
Convert watts to metric horsepower (PS) instantly with accurate results. Reliable power conversion calculator for engine ratings and motor specifications.
Watt to Metric Horsepower Converter
Enter watt (W) value and click Convert to get metric horsepower (PS).
Enter the value to convert
Relationship Between Watt and Metric Horsepower
The conversion between watt (W) and metric horsepower (PS) is a fundamental power unit conversion between metric systems.
1 PS = 735.49875 W
Therefore,
1 W = 0.00135962 PS
To convert watts to metric horsepower, we divide the value in watts by 735.49875.
For example, 735.5 W equals approximately 1 PS, which is the standard metric horsepower used in Europe. A common automotive engine might produce 150-300 PS, which is equivalent to approximately 110,000-220,000 W (110-220 kW).
Quick Reference:
Metric horsepower (PS) is commonly used in Europe, especially in Germany and other European countries for automotive engines and motors. The watt is the standard SI unit used worldwide. Understanding watt to metric horsepower conversion is essential for working with engines, motors, and power systems in European markets.
Watt (W)
What is a Watt?
The watt (symbol: W) is the unit of power in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as one joule per second (1 W = 1 J/s) and represents the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. The watt is named after Scottish inventor James Watt, who made significant contributions to the development of the steam engine.
SI Base Unit
As the base unit of power, the watt is part of the globally standardized metric system. 1 W = 1 J/s = 1 kg·m²/s³. This coherent system makes scientific calculations straightforward and eliminates conversion errors. The watt is used worldwide for measuring power in electrical, mechanical, and thermal systems.
Common Applications
- Household appliances: Light bulbs (40-100 W), refrigerators (100-800 W), washing machines (500-2000 W)
- Electronics: Laptop computers (30-100 W), desktop computers (200-500 W), televisions (50-400 W)
- Electric motors: Small motors (100-500 W), industrial motors (1-100 kW and higher)
- Power generation: Solar panels (200-400 W per panel), wind turbines (1-5 MW)
- Heating systems: Electric heaters (1000-3000 W), heat pumps (2000-5000 W)
- HVAC systems: Air conditioners (1000-5000 W), fans (50-200 W)
- Kitchen appliances: Microwaves (600-1200 W), toasters (800-1500 W), coffee makers (800-1200 W)
- Lighting: LED bulbs (5-20 W), fluorescent tubes (15-40 W), incandescent bulbs (40-100 W)
- Power tools: Drills (500-1500 W), saws (1000-2000 W), sanders (300-800 W)
- Automotive: Car alternators (500-2000 W), electric vehicle motors (50-300 kW)
Practical Values
Common power values in watts provide easy-to-remember reference points: Standard light bulb ≈ 60-100 W; Laptop computer ≈ 50 W; Desktop computer ≈ 200 W; Refrigerator ≈ 100-200 W; Microwave oven ≈ 1000 W; Electric water heater ≈ 3000-5000 W. The watt's range makes it ideal for measuring power consumption of everyday devices.
Conversion Benefits
Understanding watt to metric horsepower conversion enables seamless work across power measurements in different unit systems. Metric horsepower is commonly used for engine and motor ratings in Europe, while watts are used worldwide in electrical and scientific contexts.
Metric Horsepower (PS)
What is Metric Horsepower?
Metric horsepower (symbol: PS, from the German Pferdestärke) is a unit of power used in Europe, especially in Germany and other European countries. It is defined as exactly 735.49875 watts, making it slightly different from mechanical horsepower (hp), which is 745.699872 watts. Metric horsepower is commonly used for automotive engines and motors in European markets.
Historical Background
Metric horsepower was developed in Europe as a metric equivalent to mechanical horsepower. It was standardized as exactly 735.49875 watts, which is approximately 98.6% of mechanical horsepower. The symbol PS comes from the German term Pferdestärke, meaning horse strength. Metric horsepower is widely used in European automotive industry and specifications.
Comparison with Mechanical Horsepower
- Metric horsepower (PS): Equal to 735.49875 W, commonly used in Europe
- Mechanical horsepower (hp): Equal to 745.699872 W, commonly used in the United States and United Kingdom
- Difference: 1 PS = 0.9863 hp, or 1 hp = 1.01387 PS
- The difference is about 1.4%, which can be significant in high-performance applications
Common Applications
- Automotive (Europe): Car engines (100-700 PS typical), trucks (200-600 PS), motorcycles (50-200 PS)
- Marine: Boat engines in Europe, outboard motors
- Industrial: Manufacturing equipment, pumps, compressors in Europe
- Agricultural: Tractors and farm equipment in Europe
- Aircraft: Small aircraft engines in Europe
- Construction: Heavy machinery in Europe
- Power tools: Large industrial tools in Europe
- Racing: High-performance vehicles in European racing
- Marine propulsion: Ship engines in Europe
- Power generation: Backup generators in Europe
European Standards
In Europe, especially in Germany and other European countries, metric horsepower (PS) is the standard unit for engine and motor ratings. Understanding watt to metric horsepower conversion is essential for comparing power ratings across different systems, especially when working with European specifications or converting between metric units.
Watt to Metric Horsepower Conversion Table
Common watt to metric horsepower conversions for reference:
- Watt [W]
- Metric Horsepower [PS]
- 100 W
- 0.135962 PS
- 500 W
- 0.679811 PS
- 735.5 W
- 1.000002 PS
- 1000 W
- 1.359622 PS
- 1500 W
- 2.039432 PS
- 2000 W
- 2.719243 PS
- 2500 W
- 3.399054 PS
- 3000 W
- 4.078865 PS
- 3677.5 W
- 5.000008 PS
- 5000 W
- 6.798108 PS
- 7355 W
- 10.000017 PS
- 10000 W
- 13.596216 PS
- 15000 W
- 20.394324 PS
- 20000 W
- 27.192432 PS
- 25000 W
- 33.99054 PS
- 36775 W
- 50.000085 PS
- 50000 W
- 67.981081 PS
- 73550 W
- 100.00017 PS
- 100000 W
- 135.962162 PS
- 147100 W
- 200.00034 PS
