Horsepower to BTU/hour Converter
Enter a value to instantly convert between power units.
1 Horsepower (mech) = 2544.4336 BTU/hour
Key Formulas
Kilowatt → Horsepower (mech)
hp = kW × 1.34102Horsepower (mech) → Kilowatt
kW = hp × 0.7457Watt → Kilowatt
kW = W × 0.001Kilowatt → Watt
W = kW × 1000Formula
BTU/h = hp × 2544.43Every mechanical system running at rated power also generates waste heat in proportion to its inefficiency. A 10 hp motor running at 85% efficiency generates 10 × 745.7 × 0.15 = 1,119 W = 3,819 BTU/h of heat that must be exhausted from the machine room. HVAC designers converting a full hp rating to BTU/h can then size cooling for worst-case scenarios. This also helps when comparing engine thermal output to air conditioning capacity.
Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8
Last reviewed: · see our methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
Real-World Examples
A 1 hp electric motor running at full load generates 2,544 BTU/h of combined shaft work and heat — useful for calculating HVAC load in a motor room.
1 hp = 2544 BTU/h
A 5 hp woodworking table saw = 12,722 BTU/h of power consumption, guiding exhaust ventilation design for a workshop.
5 hp = 12722 BTU/h
A 20 hp air compressor in a production facility = 50,889 BTU/h, requiring a dedicated 5-ton cooling unit to maintain safe room temperature.
20 hp = 50889 BTU/h
A 100 hp industrial motor = 254,443 BTU/h of total power — for a motor at 90% efficiency, about 25,000 BTU/h becomes waste heat requiring ventilation.
100 hp = 254443 BTU/h