HP Conversion Formula:
From: | To: |
The Watts to HP conversion calculates mechanical horsepower from electrical power measured in watts. One mechanical horsepower is equal to 745.7 watts.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula simply divides the wattage by the conversion factor to get equivalent horsepower.
Details: Converting between watts and horsepower is essential when comparing electrical power systems to mechanical power systems, such as in automotive or industrial applications.
Tips: Enter power in watts (must be positive number). The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent horsepower.
Q1: What's the difference between mechanical and electrical HP?
A: Mechanical HP (used here) equals 745.7W. Electrical HP equals 746W. The difference is negligible for most applications.
Q2: Why 745.7 watts per HP?
A: This value comes from James Watt's original definition of horsepower based on the work a horse could do in a minute.
Q3: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact, though real-world power measurements may have some measurement error.
Q4: Are there other types of horsepower?
A: Yes, metric horsepower (735.5W) is used in Europe, and boiler horsepower (9809.5W) is used for steam power.
Q5: When would I need this conversion?
A: Common when comparing electric motors to combustion engines, or when working with mixed electrical-mechanical systems.