Free Power Converter - Watts, Kilowatts, Horsepower, BTU Online
48 uses-
Conversion Result
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Watt (W)
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Kilowatt (kW)
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Horsepower (hp)
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BTU/h
Common Power Conversion Table
| Unit | In Watts | Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Megawatt (MW) | 1,000,000 | 1 MW = 1,000 kW |
| 1 Kilowatt (kW) | 1,000 | 1 kW = 1,000 W |
| 1 Watt (W) | 1 | Base unit = 1 J/s |
| 1 Horsepower (hp) | 745.7 | 1 hp ≈ 0.746 kW |
| 1 Metric Horsepower (PS) | 735.5 | 1 PS ≈ 0.736 kW |
| 1 BTU/h | 0.293 | 1 BTU/h ≈ 0.293 W |
| 1 kcal/h | 1.163 | 1 kcal/h ≈ 1.163 W |
| 1 ft·lb/s | 1.356 | 1 ft·lb/s ≈ 1.356 W |
Power Conversion Tips
Horsepower
Cars often use horsepower (hp). Family cars: 100-200 hp. Sports cars: 500+ hp. 1 hp = 745.7 W = 0.746 kW.
Home Appliances
LED bulb: 5-20 W. TV: 50-200 W. Computer: 200-500 W. AC unit: 1,000-3,000 W. Water heater: 2,000-3,000 W.
Electricity Cost
1 kWh = 1 kilowatt-hour = 1 unit of electricity. A 1,000 W appliance running for 1 hour uses 1 kWh.
Origin of HP
1 horsepower is roughly the sustained power output of a horse. Mechanical hp = 745.7 W, metric PS = 735.5 W.
BTU Rating
BTU/h is common for HVAC in the US. 12,000 BTU/h = 1 ton of cooling = 3,517 W. Used for AC and heating ratings.
Power Generation
Home solar panel: 300-400 W. Wind turbine: 2-5 MW. Nuclear plant unit: 1,000 MW.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilowatts in a horsepower?
1 mechanical horsepower (hp) = 0.746 kW. 1 metric horsepower (PS) = 0.7355 kW. Car specs usually use metric PS. Quick rule: 1 hp is about 3/4 kW.
What is the difference between power and energy?
Power (watts) is the rate of energy use at any instant. Energy (kWh) is total energy consumed over time. Energy = Power x Time. A 1,000 W device running 1 hour = 1 kWh.
What is BTU?
BTU (British Thermal Unit) per hour is a power unit common in the US for HVAC. 1 BTU/h = 0.293 W. A 12,000 BTU/h AC unit = about 3,517 W.
How many watts does a typical home use?
Average US home uses about 1.2 kW continuously (about 30 kWh/day). Peak usage with AC, oven, dryer running can reach 10-15 kW.
What is the difference between hp and PS?
hp (mechanical horsepower) = 745.7 W, originated in Britain. PS (Pferdestaerke, metric horsepower) = 735.5 W, used in Europe and Japan. The difference is about 1.4%.
Why is kilocalories per hour (kcal/h) included in a power converter tool?
kcal/h is a unit of thermal power, often used to express heat transfer rates, especially in biology, nutrition, and some industrial processes. Converting kcal/h to watts or BTU/h helps understand and compare energy transfer in different contexts, like comparing metabolic rates or heat output of equipment, ensuring consistent power measurements across various systems.
Which power unit should I use when comparing small appliances vs industrial machinery?
For small electronic devices like phone chargers or LED lights, watts (W) are suitable. Home appliances such as ovens or air conditioners are typically measured in kilowatts (kW). When dealing with large industrial equipment, engines, or vehicles, horsepower (hp) is often used for mechanical power. For massive energy generation, like power plants, megawatts (MW) are the standard. This tool helps you convert and compare power across all these scales.
Why doesn't this power converter tool include units like VA or kVA?
This power converter focuses on 'real power' units like watts, kilowatts, and horsepower, which represent the actual power used or produced. VA (Volt-Amperes) and kVA (kiloVolt-Amperes) measure 'apparent power,' which includes both real and reactive power. While related in electrical systems, real and apparent power are distinct. Our tool provides precise conversions for direct power quantities, making it ideal for comparing active mechanical, thermal, or electrical power.
How do I compare the power output of a gasoline engine to an electric motor?
To compare a gasoline engine's horsepower (hp) with an electric motor's kilowatt (kW) output, use a power converter. Gasoline engines are typically rated in hp, while electric motors often use kW. This tool allows instant conversion between these units, enabling you to directly evaluate and compare their power capabilities for various applications, such as vehicle performance, industrial machinery, or even electric vehicle specifications.
How do I convert a US appliance's power rating from BTU/h to kilowatts for international use?
Use the Power Converter to easily switch between BTU/h and kilowatts. Enter your appliance's BTU/h rating, and the tool instantly provides the equivalent in kW. This is crucial for understanding an appliance's power consumption in regions that primarily use the metric system (kW) and ensuring compatibility with local electrical grids and calculating energy costs effectively.
How to Use the Power Converter
- Enter the power value to convert
- Select the source unit from the left dropdown
- Select the target unit from the right dropdown
- Result updates instantly - click swap to reverse
- Quick-view panel shows W, kW, hp, and BTU/h simultaneously