Kilowatts to Metric Horsepower (PS) Converter
Enter a value to instantly convert between power units.
1 Kilowatt = 1.3596 Horsepower (metric)
Key Formulas
Kilowatt → Horsepower (mech)
hp = kW × 1.34102Horsepower (mech) → Kilowatt
kW = hp × 0.7457Watt → Kilowatt
kW = W × 0.001Kilowatt → Watt
W = kW × 1000Formula
PS = kW × 1.35962European car buyers, mechanics, and regulators use PS (Pferdestarke) as their power reference, even though the EU officially mandates kW for vehicle type approval. When a press release quotes an engine in kW but you need PS for a comparison guide, forum, or import document, this is the conversion. Motorcycles in Japan, Germany, and France are licensed by PS thresholds, making the kW-to-PS conversion essential for licence category compliance.
Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8
Last reviewed: · see our methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
Real-World Examples
A 100 kW family hatchback = 136 PS — strong enough for German Autobahn cruising but legally unrestricted for new drivers in most EU countries.
100 kW = 136 PS
A 147.1 kW sports car = exactly 200 PS — a common marketing milestone for European performance vehicles.
147.1 kW = 200 PS
A 36.8 kW motorcycle = 50 PS, the maximum allowed for the European A2 licence category for riders under 2 years experience.
36.8 kW = 50 PS
A 250 kW high-performance EV = 340 PS — equivalent to a V8 muscle car and unrestricted for EU driving licences.
250 kW = 340 PS