Quick Answer
1 horsepower (hp) = 0.7457 kilowatts (kW), and 1 kilowatt = 1.341 horsepower. Kilowatts is the larger unit, so the same physical amount needs a bigger number when measured in horsepower. Convert either way with the live tool below or the dedicated converter pages.
Key Facts
- 1 horsepower (hp) = 0.7457 kW
- 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1.341 hp
- Conversion is exact multiplication - no rounding in the factor
- Table below covers common values in both directions
- Dedicated converters: hp→kW and kW→hp pages with live tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, a horsepower or a kilowatt?
One horsepower equals 0.7457 kW, and one kilowatt equals 1.341 hp. The unit with the larger factor is the physically bigger one.
How do I convert horsepower to kilowatts?
Multiply by the factor: value in kW = value in hp × 0.7457. Example: 5 hp = 3.7285 kW. Reverse: divide by 0.7457 (or multiply by 1.341).
Why are horsepower and kilowatts different?
They are two different units measuring the same physical quantity. A horsepower is defined as exactly 0.7457 kW, and a kilowatt as exactly 1.341 hp. Because the units differ in size, the number you write down for the same amount depends on which unit you use - the conversion factor itself is exact, with no rounding.
Is there a quick way to convert without a calculator?
Memorize the 1-to factor: 1 horsepower ≈ 0.7457 kW. Then multiply. For 2 hp that's ≈ 1.4914 kW.