Horsepower Calculator

Calculate horsepower from force, distance, and time, or convert between watts, kilowatts, horsepower types, and BTU/h.

Power from Force, Distance & Time

Horsepower Converter

The definition of power

Power = Force × Distance / Time — how much work is done per unit of time. This calculator converts the result into watts first, then into common horsepower and kilowatt equivalents.

Why there are several kinds of "horsepower"

Mechanical (imperial) horsepower, metric horsepower (PS/CV), electrical horsepower, and boiler horsepower are all slightly different historical definitions — they're close but not identical (745.7 W vs. 735.5 W vs. 746 W respectively), which matters when comparing engine ratings across regions or industries.

For a vehicle engine's horsepower from RPM and torque, or from a quarter-mile trap speed, see calculator.net's Engine Horsepower Calculator — this tool covers the general physics definition and unit conversion only.

Common questions

Which horsepower type do car manufacturers use?

It varies by region — US manufacturers typically use mechanical horsepower, while many European manufacturers rate engines in metric horsepower (PS).

What's BTU/h used for?

BTU per hour is common for rating heating and cooling equipment (like air conditioners and furnaces) rather than mechanical engines.

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