A kilowatt is a derived SI unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, representing the rate of energy transfer or conversion.

What does horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) mean?

It is an imperial power unit equal to 550 foot-pound-force per second, measuring the rate of doing work or energy transfer, as defined by James Watt.

Why convert kilowatt to mechanical horsepower?

This conversion helps compare and specify power in different measurement systems, especially for engines and equipment rated using imperial units.

Can I use this converter for metric horsepower?

No, this tool specifically uses the mechanical horsepower definition (550 ft*lbf/s), which differs from metric horsepower.

How to Convert from Kilowatt [kW] to Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)?

Convert power measurements from kilowatts to mechanical horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) accurately using this online converter tool. Ideal for automotive, mechanical, and electrical applications.

Kilowatt [kW]

Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Kilowatt [kW] to Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) Conversion Table

Kilowatt [kW]	Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Kilowatt [kW] to Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) Conversion Table
Kilowatt [kW]	Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)

Explore More Power Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This converter allows you to transform power values from kilowatts (kW), an SI unit, into mechanical horsepower defined as 550 foot-pound-force per second. It is useful for comparing power ratings across different measurement systems.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the power value in kilowatts (kW) that you want to convert.
Select kilowatt as the source unit and horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) as the target unit.
Click the convert button to see the equivalent horsepower value.
Use the converted value for comparing engine ratings, equipment sizing, or power specifications.

Key Features

Converts kilowatt power values into mechanical horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
Uses the standard conversion factor based on James Watt's definition of mechanical horsepower.
Supports applications in automotive, mechanical, and electrical engineering contexts.
Browser-based and easy to use without any installation.
Displays results instantly for quick comparisons and specifications.

Examples

5 kW equals 6.705110448 horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) by multiplying 5 by 1.3410220896.
0.75 kW converts to approximately 1.0057665672 horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) using the conversion factor.

Common Use Cases

Comparing internal combustion engine power ratings in the automotive industry.
Specifying power output of small engines and garden machinery like lawnmowers and generators.
Sizing pumps, compressors, and motors in regions using imperial units.
Translating power specifications for renewable energy and electrical appliances into horsepower units for market compatibility.

Tips & Best Practices

Ensure you are using mechanical horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) when converting to avoid confusion with other horsepower definitions.
Consider the context of power ratings, as kilowatt values represent continuous power while horsepower may reflect peak output.
Use this converter for quick and accurate comparisons when working across unit systems in engineering projects.
Double-check units when specifying equipment power to ensure compatibility with regional standards.

Limitations

Horsepower is primarily an imperial unit used mainly in certain regions; conversion results may require rounding.
Various definitions of horsepower exist, so it is important to apply the mechanical horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) standard for correct results.
Kilowatt measures continuous power output, while horsepower ratings may sometimes represent peak power, affecting precise equivalence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a kilowatt?: A kilowatt is a derived SI unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, representing the rate of energy transfer or conversion.
What does horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) mean?: It is an imperial power unit equal to 550 foot-pound-force per second, measuring the rate of doing work or energy transfer, as defined by James Watt.
Why convert kilowatt to mechanical horsepower?: This conversion helps compare and specify power in different measurement systems, especially for engines and equipment rated using imperial units.
Can I use this converter for metric horsepower?: No, this tool specifically uses the mechanical horsepower definition (550 ft*lbf/s), which differs from metric horsepower.

Key Terminology

Kilowatt (kW): A derived SI unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, measuring energy transfer rate.
Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s): An imperial unit of power equal to 550 foot-pound-force per second, representing mechanical power.

Quick Knowledge Check

Which unit measures continuous power output?

Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)

Kilowatt

Neither

What is the conversion factor from kilowatt to horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)?

1.5

1.3410220896

0.7457

In which industry is converting kilowatt to horsepower especially important?

Automotive industry

Textile industry

Pharmaceutical industry

Share Us

Similar Calculators

Online Heat Flux Density Units Converter Online Weight and Mass Units Converter Online Fuel Consumption Units Converter Online Moment of Inertia Units Converter Online Length Units Converter