Horsepower to Watts: How To Easily Convert HP to Wattage

Horsepower and wattage both measure power, but understanding their relationship is key to choosing the right energy source. Whether you’re working with engines, motors, or generators, converting hp to W ensures you’re using the right amount of energy for the job. 

But did you know that not all horsepower values are the same? From mechanical to electrical and even metric horsepower, each has a slightly different wattage equivalent. 

In this guide, we’ll explain these differences and show you how to convert horsepower to watts easily for any application.

What Is Horsepower?

Horsepower (hp) is a unit of measurement used to quantify power—the rate at which work is done. Originally developed by Scottish engineer James Watt in the 18th century, the term was coined to compare the output of steam engines to the work performed by horses.

Today, horsepower is widely used in various industries, including automotive, electrical, and mechanical engineering. 

While the most common definition of horsepower equates 1 hp to 746 watts, there are different types, such as mechanical horsepower, electrical horsepower, and metric horsepower, each with slightly different values.

Understanding horsepower is essential when evaluating the power capacity of engines, generators, and other mechanical or electrical systems. 

In practical applications, it helps determine how much energy a system can generate or consume over time, making it a fundamental concept in engineering and energy calculations.

What Is Wattage?

Wattage, measured in watts (W), is the standard unit of power in the International System of Units (SI). It represents the rate of energy transfer or conversion per second. Named after James Watt—the same engineer who defined horsepower—a watt quantifies how much energy an electrical or mechanical system consumes or produces.

In electrical applications, wattage is calculated using voltage (V) and current (A) with the formula watts = volts x amps.

For mechanical systems, wattage can be derived from horsepower using the conversion factor 1 hp = 746 W. This relationship allows for easy comparison between mechanical and electrical power ratings.

Understanding wattage is crucial for determining the power efficiency of appliances, generators, and engines. 

Higher wattage means greater power output or consumption, making it an essential metric for energy management in both residential and industrial applications.

Horsepower to Wattage Conversion

Since horsepower (hp) and wattage (W) both measure power, converting between them is essential for understanding energy output across different applications. The standard conversion is 1 hp = 746 W

However, there are variations of horsepower, each with a slightly different wattage equivalent.

Horsepower to Watts Conversion Calculator









Mechanic/Hydraulic Horsepower

Mechanical horsepower (or imperial horsepower) is commonly used to measure the output of engines, motors, and heavy-duty machinery. It follows the standard conversion rate of 1 mechanical hp = 745.7

Hydraulic horsepower is similar but applies specifically to fluid power systems, such as hydraulic pumps and motors. The formula for hydraulic power is hydraulic hp = (Pressure (psi) × flow rate (GPM)) ÷ 1714

For users relying on EcoFlow DELTA Series Portable Power Stations for off-grid applications, understanding mechanical horsepower can help efficiently determine the necessary wattage to power tools, pumps, or appliances.

Electrical Horsepower

Electrical horsepower is used when dealing with electric motors and power systems. Unlike mechanical horsepower, which considers friction losses, electrical horsepower is defined precisely as 1 electrical hp = 746 W

For example, a 1.5 hp electric motor would require approximately 1,119 W (1.5 × 746 W) of power. This is crucial when selecting an EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus or EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, as their wattage output determines compatibility with various motor-driven equipment, such as power tools or industrial fans.

Metric Horsepower

Metric horsepower (PS or CV) is widely used in Europe and some parts of Asia. It differs slightly from mechanical horsepower, with 1 metric hp = 735.5 W

Though the difference is small, it can impact calculations when converting power ratings for international equipment. 

If you’re using EcoFlow Solar Generators to power machinery rated in metric horsepower, applying the correct conversion factor is essential to ensure optimal energy efficiency.

By understanding these conversions, users can better assess the power needs of their equipment and determine whether an EcoFlow Portable Power Station or EcoFlow Solar Generator is the best solution for their off-grid energy requirements.

Horsepower (Metric)Watts
1 hp735.49875 W
2 hp1,470.996 W
5 hp3,677.49 W
10 hp7,354.98 W
20 hp14,709.96 W
50 hp36,774.9 W
100 hp73,549.8 W
200 hp147,099.6 W
500 hp367,749 W
1000 hp735,498 W

Wattage to Horsepower Conversion

WattsHorsepower
1 W0.001360 hp
2 W0.002720 hp
5 W0.006801 hp
10 W0.013602 hp
20 W0.027204 hp
50 W0.068010 hp
100 W0.136020 hp
200 W0.272041 hp
500 W0.680102 hp
1000 W1.360204 hp

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Formula for Horsepower to Watts?

The formula to convert horsepower (hp) to watts (W) is power (W) = horsepower (hp) × 746. This equation applies to electrical horsepower, where 1 hp is defined as exactly 746 W. For mechanical or metric horsepower, slight variations in the conversion factor exist.

How Is 1 hp Equal to 746 Watts?

The value of 746 W per hp is based on James Watt’s calculations when defining horsepower. He determined that a horse could sustain 550 foot-pounds of work per second, translating to 746 watts in modern energy units. This standard is now widely used for measuring electric motor efficiency and power output.

Final Thoughts

Converting horsepower to wattage is a straightforward and essential calculation for understanding energy consumption and power output. Whether dealing with mechanical, electrical, or metric horsepower, using the correct conversion factor ensures precision in evaluating energy needs.

Applying these conversions enables you to make informed decisions when selecting power sources for various applications. If you’re looking for a reliable energy solution, explore options like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus and see if they align with your specific power requirements.

ECOFLOW
ECOFLOWhttps://blog.ecoflow.com/ca/
EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace-of-mind power to customers in over 85 markets through its DELTA and RIVER product lines of portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories.

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