Horsepower (hp)
The horsepower is a unit of power, used for car and motorcycle engines, boat motors, and power tools in the US. Its symbol is hp.
hp
kW
1 horsepower equals
| Kilowatts | 0.7457 kW |
| Watts | 745.7 W |
About the horsepower
Horsepower was coined by James Watt around 1783 to market steam engines by comparing them with the draft horses they replaced. One hp equals 550 foot-pounds per second.
In everyday use the horsepower appears in car and motorcycle engines, boat motors, and power tools in the US. As a point of reference: a typical family car produces 120 to 200 hp.