UnitConWatts to Horsepower Converter
Convert watts to horsepower for motor specifications, appliance comparison, and translating SI power values into familiar US units. Electric motors are rated in watts or kilowatts while buyers often expect horsepower.
Formula
Divide watts by 745.699 to get mechanical horsepower. To reverse, multiply horsepower by 745.699 to get watts.
Quick reference
| Watt (W) | Horsepower (Mechanical) (hp) |
|---|---|
| 100 | 0.1341022 |
| 250 | 0.3352555 |
| 500 | 0.670511 |
| 750 | 1.005767 |
| 1000 | 1.341022 |
| 1500 | 2.011533 |
| 2000 | 2.682044 |
| 3000 | 4.023066 |
| 5000 | 6.70511 |
| 10000 | 13.41022 |
About these units
Watt
The watt (1 J/s) was named after James Watt in 1882 and adopted as the SI unit of power in 1948. It is the universal unit for electrical power and the preferred unit in international engineering standards.
Horsepower (Mechanical)
The mechanical horsepower (745.699 W) was defined by James Watt in the late 18th century to market steam engines against horse-powered mills. It remains the standard power unit for engines and motors in the US.