What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to transform power values measured in horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s), the imperial mechanical horsepower unit, into horsepower [hp, hp (UK)], standardizing power ratings for engines, machinery, and equipment within imperial unit frameworks.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the numerical value in horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) you want to convert
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Select horsepower [hp, hp (UK)] as the target unit
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Click the convert button to receive the equivalent power rating instantly
Key Features
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Converts between horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) and horsepower [hp, hp (UK)] with a 1:1 ratio
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Supports power rating standardization for automotive, motorcycle, marine, and industrial machinery
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Browser-based and straightforward unit conversion tool
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Suitable for comparing and specifying engine outputs and small equipment power
Examples
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5 horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) converts to 5 horsepower [hp, hp (UK)]
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0.75 horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) converts to 0.75 horsepower [hp, hp (UK)]
Common Use Cases
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Rating internal combustion engines in cars and motorcycles
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Specifying power for electric motors, pumps, and lawnmowers in product datasheets
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Comparing performance of marine engines and industrial machinery where mechanical horsepower is used
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure the horsepower variant is mechanical (550 ft*lbf/s) before converting
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Use this conversion to maintain consistency across power specifications in imperial units
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Refer to product documentation for the correct horsepower unit to avoid confusion with metric variants
Limitations
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Conversion solely applies to the mechanical/imperial horsepower defined as 550 ft*lbf/s
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Other horsepower types, like metric horsepower, need different conversion methods
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The tool does not account for variations in horsepower definitions beyond the specified units
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)?
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It is an imperial power unit defined as 550 foot‑pounds per second, representing mechanical horsepower as originally defined by James Watt.
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Is the conversion between horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) and horsepower [hp, hp (UK)] exact?
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Yes, the conversion rate is 1 to 1 for these mechanical horsepower variants.
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Can I use this tool to convert metric horsepower?
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No, metric horsepower differs from mechanical horsepower and requires a separate conversion approach.
Key Terminology
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Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)
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An imperial power unit equal to 550 foot-pounds per second, used especially for rating engines and machinery.
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Horsepower [hp, hp (UK)]
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A mechanical/imperial horsepower unit approximately equal to 745.7 watts, equivalent to horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
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Mechanical horsepower
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The original definition of horsepower based on foot-pounds per second of work done, standardized as 550 ft*lbf/s.