The pump I need requires a 75 hp motor. My supplier lists motors in kW — what should I order?

75 hp ÷ 1.341 = 55.9 kW. The nearest metric motor size may be 55 kW, about 1.7% below 75 hp. Check the pump's shaft power against it.

A generator nameplate says 100 kW prime / 110 kW standby. What's that in hp?

100 kW × 1.341 = 134 hp prime; 110 kW × 1.341 = 147.5 hp standby. The generator maker defines when the standby rating applies. Check the datasheet.

Is mechanical hp the same as the hp used for motors?

Effectively yes. Motor hp ratings describe mechanical shaft output; the electrical horsepower of exactly 746 W differs from 745.7 W by only 0.04%. Metric horsepower (PS) is slightly different at 735.5 W, used mainly in Europe.

Kilowatts to Horsepower Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between power units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 Kilowatt = 1.341 Horsepower (mech)

Key Formulas

Kilowatt → Horsepower (mech)

hp = kW × 1.34102

Horsepower (mech) → Kilowatt

kW = hp × 0.7457

Watt → Kilowatt

kW = W × 0.001

Kilowatt → Watt

W = kW × 1000

Formula

hp = kW × 1.34102

Electric vehicles and modern motors are rated in kilowatts, but many buyers, mechanics, and spec sheets still think in horsepower. When you see a 150 kW EV motor and want to know how it compares to a 200 hp gasoline car, this conversion gives you the answer immediately. Some industrial motor catalogues list both units.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Reviewed by the Convert Calc editorial team · Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · see our methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

A 150 kW electric motor = 201 hp.

150 kW = 201.2 hp

A 74.6 kW motor is about 100 hp.

74.6 kW = 100 hp

A 250 kW diesel generator set's electrical output expressed in horsepower = 335 hp; the engine itself must be larger to cover alternator losses.

250 kW = 335.3 hp

A 37.3 kW electric motor = 50 hp.

37.3 kW = 50 hp

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