kW to HP converter — power units
Convert motor power between kilowatts and horsepower instantly — imperial HP uses 1 HP = 0.7457 kW (and 1 kW = 1.341 HP).
Power converter
Edit either field — the one you type into becomes the source and the other follows.
Factors: 1 hp = 0.7457 kW, 1 CV = 0.7355 kW.
Quick reference — common motor sizes
| kW | Imperial HP | Metric HP (CV) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75 | 1.0058 | 1.0197 |
| 1.5 | 2.0115 | 2.0394 |
| 2.2 | 2.9502 | 2.9912 |
| 3.7 | 4.9618 | 5.0306 |
| 5.5 | 7.3756 | 7.4779 |
| 7.5 | 10.0577 | 10.1972 |
| 11 | 14.7512 | 14.9558 |
| 15 | 20.1153 | 20.3943 |
| 18.5 | 24.8089 | 25.153 |
| 22 | 29.5025 | 29.9117 |
Standard three-phase motor ratings, converted to both horsepower conventions.
AO Ctrl stocks motors and drives across these power classes:
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Frequently asked questions
How many horsepower is 7.5 kW?
7.5 kW converts to about 10.06 imperial hp. The calculator uses the standard factor 1 hp = 0.7457 kW, so kW ÷ 0.7457 gives hp. It also shows the metric conversion, where 1 CV = 0.73549875 kW, which is about 10.2 CV, and the equivalent 7,500 W.
What is the difference between imperial horsepower and metric horsepower (CV)?
Imperial horsepower is defined as 0.7457 kW, while metric horsepower (CV or PS) is slightly smaller at 0.73549875 kW. The converter shows both conventions plus kilowatts and watts from a single entry, which matters because European IEC-standard motors are rated in kW while US equipment is often rated in hp.
Why use kW instead of horsepower for a motor rating?
Kilowatt is the SI unit and what IEC-standard motor nameplates and most variable-frequency drives are specified in, while US-built motors are commonly rated in hp. This converter works in both directions — 1 kW = 1.341 hp — so you can match an existing hp-rated motor to a kW drive rating or a standard kW frame size.
AO Ctrl provides this tool for reference only.