What Is This Tool?
This converter helps you translate power values from the metric unit Pferdestärke (ps), historically used in German automotive and mechanical contexts, into the imperial mechanical horsepower unit, facilitating consistent comparisons across measurement systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Input the power value in Pferdestärke (ps) that you want to convert.
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Select Pferdestärke as the source unit and horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to receive the equivalent value in mechanical horsepower.
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Use the result to compare or specify engine or machinery power.
Key Features
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Converts power from Pferdestärke (ps) to mechanical horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
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Based on the specific conversion rate relating these commonly used units.
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Useful for automotive, engineering, and machinery power ratings.
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Supports understanding power ratings in different regional conventions.
Examples
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5 pferdestarke (ps) converts to approximately 4.9316 horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
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10 pferdestarke (ps) converts to approximately 9.8632 horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
Common Use Cases
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Converting engine power ratings in vehicles for international comparison.
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Specifying output power of small engines and older machinery using regional units.
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Translating power specifications in automotive brochures and repair manuals.
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Sizing and comparing pumps, compressors, and motors in imperial contexts.
Tips & Best Practices
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Always verify which horsepower definition applies, as this tool uses mechanical horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
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Use this conversion when working between metric-based German power ratings and imperial systems.
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Confirm whether power values correspond to Pferdestärke to ensure correct unit input.
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Keep in mind that Pferdestärke is not an SI unit and may be less common outside specific regions.
Limitations
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Pferdestärke (ps) is region-specific and may be considered obsolete in some contexts.
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Conversion results are approximations because of slight power value differences.
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This tool applies only to mechanical horsepower defined as 550 ft*lbf/s; other horsepower units differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Pferdestärke (ps)?
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Pferdestärke (PS) is a metric horsepower unit historically used in German-speaking countries to measure mechanical power, defined as 75 kilogram-force metre per second.
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What does horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) represent?
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Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) is an imperial unit of power defined as 550 foot-pound-force per second, representing mechanical horsepower as defined by James Watt.
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Why convert Pferdestärke to horsepower?
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Converting Pferdestärke to horsepower allows consistent comparison and specification of power ratings across metric-based German units and imperial units used internationally.
Key Terminology
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Pferdestärke (ps)
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A metric horsepower unit historically used in German-speaking countries, defined as 75 kilogram-force metre per second and approximately equal to 735.49875 watts.
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Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)
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An imperial unit of power equal to 550 foot-pound-force per second, representing mechanical horsepower as originally defined by James Watt.